Thai-Cambodian tensions rise

Fighting erupts, killing 2 near disputed border

PHNOM PENH - Escalating tensions between Thailand and Cambodia over a disputed border near a historic temple erupted yesterday in a deadly gun battle, prompting officials to quickly declare that they would resolve the dispute through talks, not bullets.

Two Cambodian troops were killed, the first deaths in a four-month standoff that began when UNESCO, the UN cultural agency, approved Cambodia's bid to have Preah Vihear temple named a World Heritage Site. Thailand feared its claims over nearby land would be undermined.

In recent days, as the dispute fueled nationalism in both countries, officials appeared to be preparing for a major confrontation.

Prime Minister Hun Sen of Cambodia issued an ultimatum to Thailand Tuesday to pull back its soldiers from the disputed territory, calling it "a life-and-death battle zone." Thailand moved reinforcements to the border area.

Thailand also put jet fighters on alert at bases nationwide and C-130 transport planes on standby that could evacuate Thais living in the border area, Thai air force official Group Captain Montol Satchukorn said.

Thai Army spokesman Colonel Sansern Kaewkumnerd said yesterday that Cambodian soldiers approached a Thai base, refused to leave the area and fired into the air.

"We believe they were meant to be warning shots. The Thai troops fired back in self defense," he said.

The fighting yesterday afternoon lasted for about an hour, with each side accusing the other of firing first.

In a protest handed to the senior Cambodian diplomat in Bangkok, Thailand's Foreign Ministry said Thai soldiers were peacefully patrolling their own territory along the border when Cambodian soldiers shot at them with rocket propelled grenades and submachine guns.

Cambodia's Foreign Ministry accused Thai troops of launching "heavy armed attacks" at three different locations to push back Cambodians from positions inside Cambodian territory. The battle killed at least two Cambodian soldiers and wounded three.

Five Thai soldiers were wounded, Sansern said.

Cambodia's foreign minister said 10 Thai soldiers had surrendered, were being well-treated, and would be returned to Thailand.

Lieutenant General Viboonsak Neepan, the Thai Army commander for the region, denied that any of his soldiers had been captured.

After the gun battle, officials in Thailand and Cambodia tried to lower tensions.

Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat said Thailand had no interest in seeing the conflict escalate, and Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong said military officials from both sides would meet today in Thailand to discuss the clash.

"Cambodia is a good neighbor. We will use peaceful means. If there is violence, we have to negotiate," Somchai said.

Sean McCormack, a State Department spokesman, said the United States "would urge restraint on both sides to refrain from any use of violence."

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also urged restraint and called on the two sides to quickly resolve the dispute.