Fighting stops, one Cambodian soldier killed, 4 Thais injured

BANGKOK, Oct 15 (TNA) – Wednesday’s firefight between Thai and Cambodia soldiers has stopped, a senior Cambodian official said, while a Thai army spokesman reported that one Cambodian soldier was killed and four Thai soldiers were wounded.

The Associated Press quoted Cambodian army commander Brig. Gen. Yim Pim as saying that the fighting ``has paused.'' A Cambodian army official said both sides were trying to negotiate a cease-fire and talks were underway. Reuters reported two Cambodian soldiers were wounded in a brief firefight.

One Cambodian soldier was killed and four Thais were injured in the fighting over a disputed land near the Thai-Cambodia border, said the Thai army spokesman Col. Sansern Kaewkamnerd.

Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong talked to his Thai counterpart by telephone on Wednesday morning. Both sides expressed regret over the border row and confirmed to adopt a peaceful means to end the dispute.

Thailand and Cambodia will hold bilateral talks to end the border row, said Thai foreign minister Sompong Amornvivat. He said he would seek approval of an operational framework under the Thai-Cambodian Joint Commission on Demarcation for Land Boundary (JBC) from the cabinet.

Department of Information director-general and Foreign Ministry spokesman Tharit Charungvat said he was informed by the Thai military that small arms and rocket propelled grenades were used in the clash between Thai and Cambodian soldiers. Mr. Tharit said that Thai soldiers confirmed that they would not begin any shooting, but they are prepared to counterattack to defend themselves under Article 51 of the UN charter.

Mr. Tharit added that the permanent secretary for foreign affairs would meet with the Cambodian charge d'affaires on Wednesday evening to lodge a protest note to Cambodia about the firefight.

He said prompt evacuation depends on the situation. According to the spokesman, there are about 1,000 Thai nationals in Phnom Penh and about 500 Thais in Siem Reap. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is cooperating with Thai Airways to prepare for possible evacuation, he said adding three flights can be arranged in a day. (TNA)