Sunday, 1 May 2011

Thai, Cambodian troops exchange automatic weapons fire again over disputed border

A Thai soldier holds his machine gun atop an army vehicle while patrolling near the Thai-Cambodian frontline in Surin province, northeastern Thailand, Saturday, April 30, 2011. Troops from Thailand and Cambodia exchanged fire at the countries' contested border again Saturday, marking the ninth straight day of clashes. (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn)

By The Associated Press
BANGKOK — Troops from Thailand and Cambodia have exchanged fire again at the countries' disputed border.

Thai regional army spokesman Col. Prawit Hukaew says the two sides exchanged automatic weapons fire overnight and before dawn Sunday as the conflict entered its 10th day.

Cambodian government spokesman Phay Siphan says the fighting took place around the Ta Krabey and Ta Moan temples, which are in a disputed zone between the two nations.

No casualties were reported. At least 16 people have been killed and nearly 100,000 displaced since fighting began April 22.

Thailand and Cambodia fought six times since 2008 over land disputed for more than half a century, but analysts say domestic politics on both sides is driving the current conflict.

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