Friday, 18 July 2008

Villagers flee Thai-Cambodian border row

The Mercury
July 18, 2008

PREAH VIHEAR (Cambodia): Villagers living close to the Thai-Cambodian border where a military stand-off has entered its third day have fled their homes in droves.

Fearful of the more than 400 Thai and 800 Cambodian troops stationed at their door, 70% of the villagers had left, military officials said yesterday.

Keo Neang, overseeing a temporary wooden shelter at the top of the mountain next to the Preah Vihear temple, said that 134 people had found safety there, while only 200 people of the 319 families usually living in her village had remained.

"Many people are afraid and left their homes," she said.

But those who remained at the disputed border, near the ruins of the ancient temple, were defiant.

"I am not afraid to make war with the Thais," said Seoung Pisith, 27.

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