PRIME MINISTER Anutin Charnvirakul said this morning (Sep. 27) that spy drones have been sighted as Cambodian troops moved closer to the border but they have not yet violated Thai sovereignty while artillery has likely been moved up to the ancient Preah Vihear Temple, PPTVHD 36 said.
Thai security agencies are on high alert and the Prime Minister has coordinated with Defence Minister Gen. Nattapol Nakphanit to ensure all decisions are made within the military’s authority.
Meanwhile rumours are circulating at Kantharalak district, Sisaket province, that Khmer troops have set up an artillery base at Preah Vihear Temple and are using the compound as a bunker.
From he Thai side a large crane flying both Cambodian and UN flags is visible and Cambodian troops have been observed moving around there.
It is believed that they have set up an artillery base within the ancient temple because it is the highest point on the Cambodian frontier.
Below, at the end of a paved road, on a stone platform, is a walkway from Pha Mor I Daeng on the Thai side to the iron gate, which was once used to visit the temple from the Thai side during times of good relations.
Once through the iron gate, visitors would reach the first step of the temple. Today, it is no longer accessible, but visitors can still see the first temple.
Thai Border Patrol Police patrol this area regularly to protect Thai sovereignty and prevent invasion or bombing attempts.
Officials have also temporarily prohibiting tourists from going up to Pha Mor I Daeng cliff due to the tense situation and the possibility of a gunfight.
Looking down below the cliff, one can see the village that Cambodian soldiers built. This is being monitored and while families were allowed to live there, there were no movements yesterday as Khmer troops likely evacuated them amid reports that they would open fire in the morning.
Thai villagers are monitoring the situation after posts on Cambodian social media claimed that Thais would be shot at on the morning of Sep. 26. While there have been no gunshots yet, several Thai families locked up their homes and fled to their relatives’ houses two days ago.
CAPTIONS:
Top: Preah Vihear Temple. Photo – Army Military Force and published by PPTVHD 36
First insert: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Photo – PPTVHD 36
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