Thai and Cambodian troops exchange fire at disputed border area

SI SA KET, Oct 15 (TNA) - Thai and Cambodian soldiers exchanged gunfire on Wednesday afternoon at about 3pm on the border area near Preah Vihear temple.

According to a TNA reporter observing with police and other government
personnel at Phu Makhua, about one kilometre west of Preah Vihear,
reported hearing machine gunfire from the firefight.

No casualties were reported at the border, but Thai troop reinforcements
quickly arrived at the clash site. Local authorities warned residents in
Kataralak district’s border areas to brace for immediate evacuation.

The fighting occurred one day after Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen
announced an ultimatum to Thailand to withdraw its troops from a 4.6
square kilometre disputed area near the ancient Preah Vihear temple by
midday Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Sompong Amornvivat said that although no
violence has been reported against Thai nationals, the ministry advises
Thai citizens who have no need to stay to leave Cambodia. Thailand is
ready to evacuate Thais to return home immediately.