Villagers flee deadly clashes on Thai-Cambodian border

Malaysia Sun Saturday 5th February, 2011

Deadly fighting between Thai and Cambodian forces on the border between the two countries has led to the death of a soldier.

One Thai soldier was killed and four more were injured on Saturday in fresh clashes over a disputed temple.

A number of soldiers and villagers on both sides of the border were killed in artillery fire on Friday in skirmishes around the Preah Vihear temple.

Local people were forced to flee the area.

Both sides had declared a ceasefire over the disputed ownership of the temple and the border markings.

The world heritage listed temple has been declared part of Cambodia but Thai nationalists have insisted the temple should be in Thai territory.

Last week two prominent Thais who had visited the site were convicted of espionage in Cambodia.