The situation along Thai-Cambodia border including disputed areas nearby the ancient Preah Vihear temple has been back normal thanks to diplomatic efforts from both sides.

Speaking to the press on August 9, General Yim Phim, Commander of Cambodia’s Brigade 8 garrisoned in the area, confirmed that the settlement of the temple dispute is going on the right track.

He added that the Thai army had removed its 150-metre-long barbed wire fence that was put up to surround an area of more than 4.5 sq.km in the proximity of the temple.

Gen. S’rey Duk of commander of the Cambodian troops at the Preah Vihear temple also confirmed the border area has turned back to normal as prior to July 15 when the violence broke out between the two troops.

This is part of the agreements reached at the meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Committee that was held in Bangkok on August 5, Gen. Duk said.

During the meeing, Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Nam Hong and his Thai counterpart Kasit Piromya said they were committed to settling the border dispute through diplomacy and to opening more economic border gates.

There has been another herald of progress in the relationship between Cambodia and Thailand after the Cambodian government gave permission to another consulate of Thailand to be opened in Siem Reap province./.