Thai troops near Preah Vihear on full alert

The Second Army Region commander Lt-General Wiboonsak Neeparn Sunday instructed troops stationing at area near the Hindu temple of Preah Vihear to get ready for an possible attack as Phnom Penh disappointed with the Thai government's objection to the temple's world heritage inscription. The army commander General Anupong Paochinda phoned to check the situation with concern but insisted Thai troops not to open fire first, he said. "But if the opponent open fire, we have to exercise our selfdefense right and retaliate," Wiboonsak told reporters. However the situation on the ground is normal as both Thai and Cambodia troops are in their respective position, he said.