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Thailand, Cambodia agree to joint border patrols

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-10-16 23:15

BANGKOK - Thailand and Cambodia agreed Thursday to conduct joint military patrols on disputed area near the Preah Vihear temple, Thailand's Second Army commander Lt-Gen Wibulsak Neepal said Thursday.

Thai regional army commander Wiboonsak Neeparn (R) talks to his Cambodian counterpart, General Chea Mon, during a meeting near the disputed 900-year-old Preah Vihear temple in Preah Vihear province, 543 km (337 miles) north of Phnom Penh October 16, 2008. [Agencies]

The decision of the Joint Border Committee came a day after fighting broke out on Wednesday's afternoon between soldiers of both countries near the ancient Preah Vihear temple which left two Cambodian soldiers killed and five Thai soldiers wounded, according to the Thai News agency.

Meanwhile, Thai army spokesman Col. Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the two sides agreed that joint patrols could "reduce chances of a misunderstanding that could lead to another clash."

However, forces and heavy weapons will remain along the border, Wibulsak said.

The Joint Border Committee will meet again on October 21 to discuss about the matter further.