Cambodia claims damages from Thailand for losses caused due to border clashes
The government of Cambodia has asked Thailand for damages totaling more than $2 million caused by use of heavy weapons by the Thai army during a clash at a disputed ancient temple along the border.
The Cambodia foreign ministry in a diplomatic note sent to the Thai government claimed that the attack by Thai army on April 3 caused numerous damages and set ablaze the Cambodian market located in front of the temple. The note further added that a total of 264 stands within the market were destroyed completely and as a result 319 Cambodian families lost their livelihood totaling the damages to the tune of more than $ 2 million.
The Preah Vihear temple was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in July 2008. Although way back in 1962, International Court decided that the temple and area surrounding it should belong to Cambodia, it has been a bone of contention between the two countries. Tensions flared soon after the temple was declared as world heritage site leading to several gun battles between the two armies over time involving death of several soldiers from both sides.
Both countries have been building their respective armies along the border raising concerns of possible war between them.