UN Chief Offers to Help Thailand and Cambodia Resolve Border Dispute

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today offered to help Cambodia and Thailand resolve their differences over a disputed temple area along their common border.

Tensions escalated between the two neighbouring South-East Asian nations in July 2008 following the build-up of military forces near the Preah Vihear Temple in Cambodia.

The temple, which dates back to the 11th century, was inscribed on the World Heritage List of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization earlier that month.

The row turned deadly in October of that year when two people reportedly died during an exchange of fire between Thai and Cambodian forces near the site.

"The Secretary-General hopes that Cambodia and Thailand will resolve the dispute along their border amicably through dialogue," UN spokesperson Farhan Haq told reporters in New York.

"He stands ready to help the parties," Mr. Haq added.

Source: United Nations