BANGKOK, 11 February 2011 (NNT) – Residents of the Thai-Cambodian border area in Si Sa Ket are gradually returning home as tension subsides while a bomb inspection unit has been dispatched to ensure safety.

Following four days of skirmishes between Thai and Cambodian troops along the border in Si Sa Ket province, Army Chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha confirmed that the atmosphere in the area had been calm, adding that some of the local residents who were evacuated earlier had started making their way back home. In an effort to protect the people from possible dud explosives left behind from the clashes, the Army has sent a bomb squad into the area for thorough inspection.

Regarding reports of reinforcements by the Cambodian military, Gen Prayuth said it does not concern Thailand, believing that both sides only want to secure their own land to the best of their ability after the violent incident. He hoped that there would not be another confrontation between the neighboring countries and that the long-lasting border row would be solved through negotiations.

NNT