Fighting breaks out on the border

From Reuters

Thai and Cambodian forces along a disputed stretch of border near a 900-year-old Hindu temple exchanged fire for about 10 minutes on Wednesday, a reporter on the Thai side of the border told Reuters.

The reporter, who works for a Thai state media outlet, also said smoke was seen billowing into the air from the Cambodian side of the border near the Preah Vihear temple.

Gunfire reported

The area is in the heart of border tension between Thailand and Cambodia which was flared up after Cambodia's premier Hun Sen threatened to open war if Thai troops were not withdrawn from the area.

It is still unclear who fired first shot but Thai officials said that the shots were fired from the Khmer side.

Both Thai and Cambodian troops were deployed along the border in Si Sa Ket following Hun Sen's threats. The Thai army vowed to retaliate if attacked.

Meanwhile Army Commander in Chief Gen Anupong Paochinda has instructed Thai troops along the border with Cambodia to be on high alert and to retaliate if attacked.

Second Army Region Commander Lt Gen Wibunsak Neeparn said Anupong telephoned to him and ordered Thai troops along the border to be ready if attacked.

"Gen Anupong ordered the Thai troops to retaliate if Cambodian side opened the attacks," Wibunsak said Wednesday.

Wibunsak said he assigned Maj Gen Kanok Netrakawesana, commander of Suranaree Task Force to meet with the Khmer side Thursday in a bid to find ways to ease the tensions.

Thai Air Force also went on high alert, placing the jetfighters on standby.

Meanwhile authorities have warned people to stay away from the border with Cambodia in Si Sa Ket's Kantharalak district in case fighting should break out.

Villagers have been advised to stay at home, to make merit at their temples, to check their underground shelters and to have belongings packed should they need to evacuate.

Cambodians say Thailand fired first

Cambodian official said on Wednesday Thai soldiers fired first in a brief exchange of gunfire along a disputed stretch of their border. "I can confirm there was fighting between Cambodians and Thais. The Thais fired at us first," Preab Tan, governor of Cambodia's northern Preah Vihear province, told Reuters

Thai nationals told to leave Cambodia

Thai Foreign Minister Sompong Amornvivat urged Thai nationals in Cambodia to leave as soon as possible Wednesday after a gun-battle between troops along a disputed stretch of their border.

"Thai businessmen who have no need to be in Cambodia now, please rush back to Thailand," Sompong told reporters.

"We have our evacuation plan ready," he added.

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It's all over 4.6 square kilometres of land