Wednesday, 27 April 2011

Thai-Cambodian border skirmishes continue for 6th day

Cambodian soldiers load rocket shells in Oddar Meanchey Province, Cambodia, April 26, 2011. Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Tuesday ordered review of overall relations with Cambodia in the wake of border clashes between the two countries. (Xinhua/Sovannara)

http://news.xinhuanet.com/

via CAAI

BANGKOK, April 27 (Xinhua) -- The border clash occurring nearby Ta Muen Thom and Ta Kwai temples in the disputed areas adjacent Thailand's northeastern Surin province early Wednesday morning marked the sixth straight day of fighting between Thailand and Cambodia.

New round of small arms firing erupted near the 13th-century temple ruins at about 5.30 a.m. on Wednesday morning and lasted for thirty minutes, according to Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd, the Thai army spokesman.

The spokesman told Xinhua over the telephone that Cambodian troops move toward the disputed areas triggered firing which involved exchange of small arms and mortar shelling.

Regarding gunfire exchanges Tuesday's night which flared at around 10 p.m., Col. Sansern said it took place as Cambodia used tanks and heavy arms to attack Thai soldiers in order to capture Ta Muen Thom and Ta Kwai temples, located 150 kilometers west of contentious Preah Vihear temple.

The six-day deadly clashes between Cambodia and Thailand occurring since April 22 left five Thai soldiers dead and at least 57 injured as well as killed one civilian, according to the spokesman. Thailand and Cambodia have accused each other to launch a new round of border conflicts.

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