Riot police deployed to Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh

Reports published on 3 July 2008 indicate that Cambodia has deployed anti-riot police officers to the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh to protect against possible violent protests. The move came after Thailand withdrew its endorsement of Cambodia's bid to apply for World Heritage status for the Preah Vhear temple, a long disputed site that lies on the Thai-Cambodian border. The security forces will remain at the embassy for 24 hours; forces are also protecting Thai businesses in Phnom Penh. The dispute over ownership of the temple seemed to be resolved last month when Thailand endorsed Cambodia's bid. However, the Thai opposition rejected the government's endorsement, claiming that the country was losing part of its sovereign territory in the agreement.