A 5 to 1 Ratio; There's Trouble Brewing

The coy and careful rhetoric about Cambodia's concerns for its borders has previously been noted along with the former King Norodom Sihanouk's zeal to have new national border council in place.

So today's Associated Press report in the Taiwan News shows how quickly action can follow words. It provides some insight into the heightened tensions as Cambodia closed its border near an ancient northern temple after Thailand stationed hundreds of troops on its side of the disputed frontier.

Typically, about 50 Thai soldiers guard Thailand's side of the border, Preab Tan said. But in recent days the number has grown to 400-500, and the soldiers have begun building a bunker in the zone between the two borders, he [provincial governor, Preah Vihear Governor Preab Tan] said.

Thai Major Piset Visaijorn said the army had stationed more troops in the area around Preah Vihear because 100 Cambodian villagers had begun living in disputed areas.

That's four or five soldiers to every one villager. As this does seem a tad ons-sided, I'm sure we will be hearing more of this incident in the not-to-distant future.

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