2nd Army: Border is secure

There is no need to reinforce the Thai troops around the disputed border area ahead of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's visit this weekend, 2nd Army commander Lt Gen Weewalit Chornsamrit said on Friday.

Lt-Gen Weewalit said the exisiting forces were sufficient to maintain peace.

He had been contacted by senior Cambodian military officials and they discussed security measures along the border, especially the area where Hun Sen will visit, which adjoins Si Sa Ket province.

Lt-Gen Weewalit said he did not believe Hun Sen's visit to the border was a declaration of Cambodia's ownership of the disputed area.

Cambodian officials told him the main objective for Hun Sen's visit was to declare open a natural village, Sinharaj Decho, and a new military unit, and to lift the morale of Cambodian troops along the border.

Lt-Gen Weewalit had been assigned by the government to welcome Hun Sen.

He said the 2nd Army would not allow armed Cambodian troops in the disputed area under Thai control. They would have to disarm before entering.

This issue would be addressed at a meeting with senior Cambodian officers this afternoon.