A senior Thai security officer in Bangkok said yesterday that intelligence and security agencies were drafting contingency plans that included the downsizing of staff at the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh, as well as an evacuation in case the diplomatic tensions translate into another anti-Thai riot.
Thai businessmen in Cambodia have been briefed about the situation and will continue to remain engaged with embassy staff for regular updates, the officer said on condition of anonymity.
But while the diplomatic fallout has forced officials there to look over their shoulders, no one thinks diplomatic tension will translate into another anti-Thai riot as was seen in January 2003 when the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh was torched along with Thai-owned businesses and other establishments.
According to the officer - who is observing the situation very closely - the embassy in Phnom Penh has been instructed to continue with standard operating procedures for the time being.
About 50 armed police and soldiers are posted in front of the embassy, said the officer, who added that there were no signs of any sort of protest in the making.
"Unlike the anti-Thai riot [in 2003], the Cambodia government appears to be taking adequate preventive measures to prevent a similar incident," said the officer.
"But then again, public protests are often orchestrated by political figures. If someone wants to see the embassy attacked again, they can set things in motion," said the officer.
Changes to standard operating prodcedures will depend on the situation on the ground. But as of yesterday there had been no restrictions on the movements of officers assigned to the embassy, according to another intelligence officer.
Thailand's 2nd Army Region commander, Lt-General Weewalit Jorasamrit, said the situation along the border near the Preah Vihear Temple remained normal.
"Contrary to some news reports, Cambodia has not at all called for reinforcements. We have not increased the number of our troops either," he said.
Crossing along the Thai-Cambodia common border also continued as usual yesterday as local residents and small traders carried on with their daily activities.
More than 5,000 Cambodian vendors and workers travelled past the Ban Khlong Leuk checkpoint yesterday to earn their livings in Na Klua market.
At their stalls, the Cambodian traders were seen glued to TV to check news updates about Thai-Cambodian relations.
Thai gamblers, however, were clearly reluctant to travel to casinos in Cambodia's Poi Pet.
Not many Thais went past Aranyaprathet to the casinos yesterday.
The tension has also taken its toll on the air-travel industry, as some foreign visitors heading to Cambodia via Thailand decided to remain in Thailand for the duration of their holidays.
Over 200 houses were destroyed by fire on Thursday in the Russey Keo district of Phnom Penh a long National Road no. 5, according to a local police officer said.
The fire raged for around five hours, similar to last year’s blaze in the Teok Thla district of Phnom Penh.
Authorities cooperated to fight the flames but to little effect. However, nobody has yet been confirmed killed. Many fled.
Phnom Penh Police Chief Touch Naroth said that “We tried to intervene for them but … over 200 houses were completely destroyed.”
“Our police, ambulances and other security agencies cooperated to stop the fire, but it was so difficult, because the roads were very narrow.”
One local resident, Hap Sin, said that the fire started from the Kim pharmacy.
“I am very sad but I would like to warn all Cambodians to be careful,” Naroth added.
