A man walks through rubles at the destroyed silk factory following the clash between Thailand and Cambodia in Surin province, northeastern Thailand, April 27, 2011
Photo: AP
VOA News April 27, 2011
Thai and Cambodian forces exchanged fire for a sixth day Wednesday as politicians argued over the failure of proposed peace talks.
Photo: AP
VOA News April 27, 2011
Thai and Cambodian forces exchanged fire for a sixth day Wednesday as politicians argued over the failure of proposed peace talks.
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Small arms and artillery fire were reported from the border area around two ancient Hindu temples, where the countries have been clashing since Friday. Thai officials said a civilian was killed by Cambodian shelling overnight, bringing the death toll in six days of fighting to 14.
On Tuesday, gunfire was exchanged for the first time in the latest flare-up at Preah Vihear, another temple complex 160 kilometers to the east where the countries fought for four days in February.
Proposed peace talks between the countries collapsed late Wednesday when Thai Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwon canceled a trip to the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh.
Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said during a visit to the border area Wednesday that Prawit pulled out because of earlier plans to visit China. He said Thailand wants to hold talks, but that Cambodia must stop attacking before that can happen.
Cambodia, for its part, accuses Thailand of provoking the fighting. A government spokesman says that Cambodia wants a cease-fire as soon as possible.
The poorly demarcated border between the two countries has long been a source of friction, but there is no obvious reason for the latest fighting.
Each side accuses the other of starting it, while analysts suggest that hardline nationalist groups and military elements in the two countries may have political motives. Thailand is facing contentious national elections later this year.
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