Cambodia

Villagers flee, fearing military action on Thai border

Article published on the 2008-07-17 Latest update 2008-07-18 08:21 TU

Thai riot police try to stop Thai nationalist protesters
(Credit: Reuters)

Some 70 per cent of Cambodian villagers living near the Thai border have fled for their lives on Thursday as troops from both Cambodia and Thailand have amassed on the border. This is the third day of a tense military standoff, as soldiers are stationed near the ruins of an ancient temple. Officials from both nations have agreed to talks in Thailand to resolve the tense situation.

Although anger on both sides stems from a decades-long territorial dispute, the current buildup began on Tuesday after three Thai protesters illegally crossed the border.

The 4.6-square-kilometre area in dispute also is home to a Cambodian village.

Thailand sent extra troops across the border as a protest at the Cambodian authorities allowing the construction of the village on the disputed site, according to an unnamed military official.

The International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that Preah Vihear belongs to Cambodia, but the area around the temple that remains in dispute.