Thailand & Cambodia agree to move back troops

There has been a lot of dispute and talks between Thailand and Cambodia over Preah Vihear temple, on the Cambodian-Thai- border in Preah Vihear province, Cambodia, about 245 kilometers (152 miles) north of Phnom Penh. It all started when Thai troops first deployed at Keo Sikha Kiri Svara pagoda earlier this month. Soon after, Cambodian moved troops into the area and the two sides engaged in a tense armed confrontation on July 17 when Cambodian monks sought to celebrate Buddhist lent in the pagoda.

The Cambodians eventually pulled back from the standoff and the two sides have since have managed to keep a lid on tensions.

The dispute over 1.8 square miles of land near Preah Vihear temple escalated earlier this month when UNESCO approved Cambodia’s application to have the complex named a World Heritage Site.

Now, Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to “adjust” military deployment around the Preah Vihear Temple in a bid to ease military tension in the area. Cambodia and Thailand agreed Monday to pull back 1,200 troops stationed near a historic temple, but failed to end the long-running border dispute that has stirred up nationalist anger on both sides.

Foreign ministers from the two Southeast Asian neighbors agreed to hold further meetings on how to demarcate a slice of land near the 11th century Preah Vihear temple, but no date was set for the next meeting.

About 800 Cambodian troops and another 400 from Thailand stationed inside and around a pagoda near the temple complex will be pulled back.

“We cannot solve all problems at one meeting. We need to take gradual steps,” Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong. “The immediate task is to avoid clashes through the redeployment of troops.”

Thai Foreign Minister Tej Bunnag agreed “the meeting would help reduce tension at the border.”

Emerging after a marathon talk, Cambodia’s Foreign Minister Hor Nam Hong said they agreed that both sides should exercise utmost restraint and seek futher peaceful solution to solve the problem. Both sides also support de-mining and land demacration in the area.

The first meeting in Thailand’s Sa Kaew which was chaired by Thai Supreme Commander Gen Boonsang Niempradit and Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Gen Tea Banh ended without solution.

Gays compete at the Pride festival

Heard of the Dragoncastle’s Sexy Swimsuit Contest, the dinner cruise party, the Karaoke contest or the Miss Jumbo contest? Well it all happens at the infamous pride show in Thailand’s vibrant capital, Bangkok. It is Bangkok’s annual celebration of gay and lesbian identity which has grown to encompass a broad range of activities including art, film, sport, the Pride in the Park party and a parade. There are also several sporting events (volleyball, bike rides, badminton, and bowling), drag acts and plenty of parties in the Silom Soi district.

The show which began on a much smaller scale back in 2001, has by the year gained a lot of popularity. People from all over the country, flock to Bangkok to witness this week long extravaganza which usually takes place in November. Some of the more famous events at the venue are

* Pride Night Kick Off Party
* Pride Dinner Cruise
* White Nights Party
* Karaoke Contest
* Isaan Party
* Swimsuit contest

These are usually sponsored by famous night clubs, cafes and clothing companies, sport groups or fitness centers. The contests are usually followed by awards and trophies for the winners. Come here to witness some of the funkiest night parties with gay men dressed in the most bizarre fashion…something you wont get to behold elsewhere!