Some media reports claimed that Thai troops had fired rockets near the Temple of Phra Viharn, allegedly causing damages to Naga statues along the stairway leading up to the Temple and that Cambodia would file a complaint with UNESCO.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs categorically denies these reports. The Ministry has checked the facts with the Royal Thai Army’s 2nd Army Region, which confirmed that on 15 October 2008, Thai soldiers being fired upon by Cambodian troops in the vicinity of Pha Mor I Daeng used only rifles in self-defense. In accordance with strict orders, Thai troops have not used heavy firearms or rocket launchers near the Temple of Pra Viharn and never fired at the Temple. In contrast, Cambodian soldiers opened fired on Thai soldiers who were positioned near the twin stupas in the vicinity of Pha Mor I Daeng with recoilless guns and Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs). The rocket rounds landed near the twin stupas, injuring two Thai soldiers. A number of rocket rounds also landed in the Phra Viharn National Park in the vicinity of Laan Chom Dao and the Park’s residential buildings. The Thai side later found two of the RPG rocket rounds fired by the Cambodian side, which had landed but failed to explode and has kept both of them for evidence.
Prime Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Press Division, Department of Information Tel.(02) 643-5170
Fax. (02) 643-5169 E-mail : div0704@mfa.go.th End.