Hun Xen's B-70 bodyguard brigade (Photo: Reuters)22 August 2010
By Lean Delux
Radio France Internationale
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
Click here to read the article in Khmer
The Cambodian ministry of Defense (MoD) is organizing a 2-month training for an army tank unit with the participation of more than 800 soldiers. Cambodia is currently strengthening its armed forces after Thailand threatened to use armed force to resolve its dispute with Cambodia. Recently, Thailand also ordered additional tanks and fighting planes from overseas as well.
A group of 876 soldiers from joint units of the MoD are currently being trained to increase their capacity to use tanks. The training took place more than 2 months ago. Cambodia is currently strengthening its troops capacity at a time when Cambodia is being aggressed by Thai troops and three armed clashes already took place. Furthermore, recently, the Thai PM threatened Cambodia that Thailand will use its armed force to resolve the border dispute.
During a meeting with the trained soldiers on 21 August, Tea Banh, the vice-PM and minister of Defense, indicated that tank units have strong influence during the war. On the contrary, Tea Banh indicated that the training of tank units by Cambodia at this time is not aimed at aggression or to wage war with any country.
General Chhum Socheat, MoD spokesman, told RFI that the training of troops is the norm for the army, in particular when the country is at peace, troops training is most appropriate.
It should be recalled that Cambodia and Thailand are currently disputing its common border and this led to the armed confrontation between the two armies for more than 2 years now. Recently, the Thai government ordered several dozens of jet fighting planes and tanks. 96 tanks were ordered from Ukraine at a cost of about 4 billion baths (~$12.7 million). Chhum Socheat said that Cambodia is not concerned about the Thai action. To Chhum Socheat, Cambodia has enough armaments and troops to defend its territorial integrity also (sic!?!?).
A group of 876 soldiers from joint units of the MoD are currently being trained to increase their capacity to use tanks. The training took place more than 2 months ago. Cambodia is currently strengthening its troops capacity at a time when Cambodia is being aggressed by Thai troops and three armed clashes already took place. Furthermore, recently, the Thai PM threatened Cambodia that Thailand will use its armed force to resolve the border dispute.
During a meeting with the trained soldiers on 21 August, Tea Banh, the vice-PM and minister of Defense, indicated that tank units have strong influence during the war. On the contrary, Tea Banh indicated that the training of tank units by Cambodia at this time is not aimed at aggression or to wage war with any country.
General Chhum Socheat, MoD spokesman, told RFI that the training of troops is the norm for the army, in particular when the country is at peace, troops training is most appropriate.
It should be recalled that Cambodia and Thailand are currently disputing its common border and this led to the armed confrontation between the two armies for more than 2 years now. Recently, the Thai government ordered several dozens of jet fighting planes and tanks. 96 tanks were ordered from Ukraine at a cost of about 4 billion baths (~$12.7 million). Chhum Socheat said that Cambodia is not concerned about the Thai action. To Chhum Socheat, Cambodia has enough armaments and troops to defend its territorial integrity also (sic!?!?).
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