Cambodian govt musters support from huge crowds in Thai border row

PHNOM PENH – Tens of thousands of Cambodians took to the streets of Phnom Penh on June 18 for an official rally to support the government’s actions in its recent border dispute with Thailand.

A massive crowd led by Deputy Prime Minister Hun Many – Prime Minister Hun Manet’s youngest brother – joined a “Solidarity March” to support the government and troops stationed on the border with Thailand.

Flourishing Cambodian flags and portraits of Mr Hun Manet and his father, former leader Hun Sen, supporters marched to the Independence Monument in the heart of the capital.

One Cambodian soldier was killed on May 28 as troops exchanged fire in a disputed area known as the Emerald Triangle, where the borders of Cambodia, Thailand and Laos meet.

The Thai and Cambodian armies said they acted in self-defence.

Cambodia has asked the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to help resolve the border dispute in four areas – the site of May’s clash and three ancient temples.

Cambodian leaders have repeatedly said the move is to prevent further military clashes.

Mr Hun Manet said on June 17 he wants to maintain “peace and good cooperation” with Thailand.

“Filing a complaint at the ICJ to resolve the dispute peacefully is our best option to keep friendship and good cooperation with Thailand,” he added.

Cambodia on June 17 banned imports of Thai fruit and vegetables after Bangkok refused to lift border crossing restrictions imposed in recent days.

Phnom Penh has also banned Thai dramas from TV and cinemas, closed a popular border checkpoint, and cut internet bandwidth from Thailand.