2011年4月22日星期五

The Thais, Cambodians temple shock forces

Thai and Cambodian soldiers clashed Friday at a temple in a disputed border area, with reports indicating that four soldiers were killed.

The two sides exchanged fire rockets, machine guns and rifles to a temple in Ta Krabey in the province of Surin of Thailand.

Spokesperson of the Thai army's colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the fighting began at dawn and lasted more than an hour.

SERM Chainarong, the Governor of the province of Surin, said that the authorities are preparing to evacuate approximately 5,000 people in the region.

Ministry of Cambodian defence lieutenant-general Chhum Socheat spokesman three Cambodian soldiers were killed and six wounded, while a Thai army spokesman said one Thai soldier was killed.

Thai lieutenant colonel Siriya Khuangsirikul said both sides "are in the midst of negotiating a ceasefire."

The two countries were locked in an old conflict for several decades on the temples and the land that surrounds them. Nationalist fervor in the two countries has recently fueled the conflict.

In February, at least eight people were killed when the two countries have exchanged artillery and gunfire in the 11th century Preah Vihear temple, which is approximately 250 kilometres from the site of the clash Friday.

Clashes have erupted several times since 2008, where Preah Vihear was designated a United Nations World Heritage site.

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