KI Media: “Don't doom these temples, please” plus 24 more

The border row between Thailand and Cambodia troublingly shows no sign of ending. The two countries have once again traded gunfire, this time near two 12th century temples in an area that is claimed by both sides. It is unclear who fired the first shot, but in three days of fighting 11 soldiers — five on the Thai side, and six on the Cambodian — were killed, and more than 40 wounded. Thousands of civilians have been displaced. This is the second flare-up on the border this year. In February, there was fighting near Preah Vihear, another temple 200 km from the site of the latest confrontation. ASEAN managed to douse the tension the last time, with Indonesia, currently in the chair, playing the mediator. An informal ceasefire came into place, but a peace agreement to post unarmed Indonesian military observers along the border remained on paper because of Thailand's resistance to outside intervention in what it considers a bilateral matter. On the other hand, Cambodia clearly wants to internationalise the issue beyond ASEAN: during the February clashes, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen complained to the United Nations Security Council that Thai forces had invaded his country. In the circumstances, the door appears closed to ASEAN's mediatory initiatives. The cancellation of the Indonesian Foreign Minister's April 25 visit to Bangkok as well as Phnom Penh was the clearest indication of this.

While sizable portions of the Thai-Cambodian border are undemarcated, the main dispute is centred on their rival claims to the Preah Vihear temple. A 1962 International Court of Justice ruling that the 900-year-old Siva temple belonged to Cambodia failed to resolve the problem as it did not address the rival claims to the territory around the temple. In 2008, the temple's listing as a UNESCO World Heritage site further angered Thais, and led to the first military face-off on this issue. In both countries, the issue is handy for politicians to whip up nationalist sentiments and make allegations that sovereignty has been ceded to the other side. While rhetoric is one thing, a military confrontation can hardly provide a solution. The two countries must also keep in mind the risks to the temples. Preah Vihear is held to be one of the finest examples of Khmer architecture outside Angkor; any damage to it would be tragic and self-defeating. As responsible members of the international community, Thailand and Cambodia must both muster the political will to resolve this long-standing row peacefully, soon.

WASHINGTON, April 26 (UPI) -- The Thai and Cambodian governments are called on to settle their differences peacefully, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton advised.

Cambodia accused Thailand of using poison gas during fighting along their shared border, though Bangkok denies the charges.

Border conflicts between the two Asian nations are centered on an 11th-century temple, listed as a World Heritage Site in 2008. The international courts ruled in 1962 that the Preah Vihear temple was in Cambodia though parts of the overall temple grounds are in Thai territory.

Clinton, in a statement, said Washington was "deeply concerned" by reports of violence along the Thailand-Cambodia border.

"We strongly urge both sides to exercise restraint, refrain from provocative acts and immediately take all necessary steps to reduce tensions and avoid further conflict," she said.

Thailand after earlier clashes erupted in February rejected an offer to have U.N. peacekeeping troops sent to the area. The United Nations said troops would be sent in only if both sides were in agreement and they were part of bilateral cooperation between the countries.

Buri Ram - Two houses in a border village in Buri Ram were damaged when strayed artillery shells from the border clash in the adjacent Surin landed on the village.

Nat Chartwattanasiri, chief of Ban Kruad district, said the strayed shell hit Ban Khokkrachai village in Tambon Saitaku at 4 pm.

Nat said seven shells landed on the main road of the village and their shrapnel damaged the two houses.

Surin - Three Thai troops and three villagers were injured when Thai and Cambodians exchanged fire Tuesday afternoon.

A military source said the troops and civilians were injured after Cambodian troops opened fire at Thai side at 4 pm, using rockets.

Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya will meet Asean Chair Marty Natalegawa in Jakarta on Thursday on the sideline of an Asean's ministerial meeting to discuss current border disputes with Cambodia, deputy government spokesman Supachai Jaisamutr said Wednesday.

Kasit is initially scheduled to represent Thailand in Asean's Social and Cultural meeting in Jakarta so he will take opportunity to discuss the Thai-Cambodia border dispute with Marty, also Indonesian foreign minister.

Marty, as Asean Chair, had reschuduled his planned visit to Thailand and Cambodia to push for a renewed ceasefire after both countries renewed border fightings in Surin province last Friday.

The skirmish on Tuesday spreaded to an area near Preah Vihear Temple.

Meanwhile Kasit is scheduled to brief Chinese and Vietnamese ambassadors to Thailand on the latest fatal border clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops.

Foreign Ministry's spokesman Thani Thongpakdi said Tuesday Kasit will meet the Chinese ambassador at about 5pm and the Vietnamese ambassador at 5.30pm.

Briefings come in the wake of escalating border tension between Thailand and Cambodia with the exchange of fire on April 22-25 near the 13th-century Ta Muen Thom and Tha Kwai temples in northeastern Surin province bordering Cambodia's Otdar Mean Chey province.

Oddar Meanchey - Fighting caused electricity in Oddar Meanchey province to be cut. The province is now dark because electricity in this province is purchased from Thailand.

The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department on Tuesday declared three border districts of Surin province emergency disaster zones as a consequence of the fierce fighting near two border temple ruins between Thai and Cambopdian troops.

Department chief Wiboon Sa-nguanpong said the latest border clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border near Ta Muen Thom and Ta Kwai temples in tambon Bakdai in Phanom Dong Rak district prompted provincial authorities to declare three districts - Phanom Dong Rak, Kab Choeng and Prasat - disaster zones which are at risk of attacks from outside armed forces.

The disaster zones cover a total of 142 villages in the three border districts, said Mr Wiboon.

So far, a total of 25,835 border villagers have been evacuated to 22 temporary shelters since the fighting erupted last Friday.

The department has deployed 66 officials, three drinking-water trucks, five electric-generating trucks, 14 water trucks, 423 tents, two transportation trucks and 60 mobile toilet trucks at the temporary shelters, he said.

NONG KANNA, Thailand—The worst fighting in years between Thailand and Cambodia spread Tuesday to a third temple, as the neighbors exchanged artillery fire in border clashes that have killed 12 soldiers and displaced 50,000 villagers.

The fighting Tuesday near the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple followed unsuccessful international attempts to secure a cease-fire in the largely long-distance artillery battles that eruped Friday at two other temples about 100 miles (160 kilometers) to the west.

Preah Vihear, the scene of four days of deadly fighting in February, is the most prominent symbol of a border dispute between the Southeast Asian nations that goes back generations and has long stirred nationalist sentiment on both sides.

The latest round of fighting began around the 1,000-year-old Ta Moan and Ta Krabey temples, which are on territory claimed by both countries. Since then, at least 12 soldiers on both sides have been killed and some 50,000 villagers forced to flee.

Each side has accused the other of starting the battles.

The U.S. threw its support Monday behind efforts of Indonesia, current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, to mediate an end to the conflict.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said the U.S. was deeply concerned about the violence. In a statement, she urged both sides to exercise restraint and act to reduce tensions. Ms. Clinton said U.S. officials were talking with both countries.

Thailand has so far rejected outside intervention, saying the two countries have to resolve the dispute alone. But on Sunday, Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya indicated that Bangkok might accept Indonesian military observers at the border, a proposal already accepted by Phnom Penh.

That would likely require behind-the-scenes approval from Thailand's powerful military, which so far has effectively vetoed the plan to bring Indonesian observers. Some have accused the Thai army, which staged a coup in 2006 and continues to hold influence in domestic politics, of using the border dispute to raise its profile ahead of general elections expected by early July.

In recent years, political groups on both sides have accused their opponents of using the border issues to stir nationalistic fever and further their own domestic political agendas.

The United Nations Edcuational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) should show responsibility because the listing of Preah Vihear temple as a world heritage site has resulted in border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti said on Tuesday.

Mr Suwit, chief of the Thai delegation to the World Heritage Committee meeting to be held in Paris in June, said this after a new round of fighting erupted between Thai and Cambodian troops around Preah Vihear temple in Si Sa Ket's Kantharalak district.

Villagers living around the Phra Viharn National Park and park officials have all been evacuated for safety, he said.

Mr Suwit said he would compile information for submission to Unesco to show that before Cambodia applied for the listing of Preah Vihear temple as a world heritage site the area was visited by a large number of tourists.

But, after the listing, the temple has been closed, followed by border clashes that resulted in many deaths and injuries.

Mr Suwit said it is necessary for him to tell the world community that the key to solving the conflict is for the two countries in conflict to complete demarcation of the disputed area.

He called for Cambodia to return to negotiations under the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) framework, saying that this is the best way to end the whole problems.

Standing to lose in the conflict is the peoples of the two countries in terms of trade and economy, not the governments, he added.

Mr Suwit said he will on May 25 attend a bilateral meeting, organised by Unesco, with the Cambodian delegation prior to the WHC meeting.

The minister called for Unesco to show reponsibility.

He said clashes between the two countries derived from the fact that the temple listing was approved while the demarcation of the disputed area has not been completed.

PHNOM PENH - THE Thai and Cambodian defence ministers will meet soon to discuss a truce, Phnom Penh said on Tuesday, after five days of heavy border fighting left 13 troops dead.

'Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Banh has agreed to meet his Thai counterpart in Phnom Penh shortly to discuss a ceasefire between the two countries,' the Cambodian defence ministry said in a statement.

Thai Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwon indicated that he was ready for dialogue with his Cambodian counterpart.

'We will have an opportunity to talk and there will be no problem. I think the situation will ease within a few days,' he told reporters in Thailand during a visit to the border area.

(VOV) - A delegation from the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) led by its Chairman, Dang Ngoc Tung, is visiting Cambodia from April 25-29 at the invitation of the Cambodian Confederation of Trade Unions (CCTU).

At the April 26 meeting, the two organisations informed each other of the socio-economic situation and trade union activities in their respective countries and discussed ways to promote future cooperation.

CCTU President Som Aun highlighted the VGCL delegation's visit as a major contribution to supporting the CCTU and other trade unions.

Since the 1980s, Vietnam has helped Cambodia train its first trade union staff and generations of Cambodian trade union leaders have had more academic and training opportunities in Vietnam.

Tung praised the efforts of Cambodian trade unions to care for and protect the interests of labourers while affirming his organisation's support for all Cambodian trade union activities.

Both sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a cooperation agreement under which, they agree to maintain biennial exchange visits by trade union delegations.

They also agreed to create the best possible conditions for local trade unions, especially in the provinces that share the national borders to share information and support each other at international forums.

The VGCL agreed to provide long-term training for Cambodian trade union staff under the framework of the inter-governmental agreement.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Tuesday instructed all ministries to review their cooperation with Cambodia in various fields in the wake of the continuing border clashes between soldiers of the two countries.

Acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said the cabinet passed a three-part resolution:

Mr Panitan said the government has important evidence to be presented in talks to bring about an end to the conflict.

The evidence will also be used to explain the situation to the international community.

He believed the siutation would improve after the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia meet at an Asean meeting in Indonesia next week. Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya also has an appointment to meet with Asean chairman Marty Natalegawa on April 28.

The government will continue to provide security for the people and take steps to prevent the conflict from escalating further, although Cambodia has shown the intention to do otherwise, he said.

Mr Panitan stressed that the government and the military do not have a conflict of policy.

Even when it becomes a caretaker government following a House dissolution, it will be able to keep the situation under control, he added.

Thai and Cambodian soldiers clashed on Tuesday afternoon in the disputed area around Preah Vihear temple on the border in Kantharalak district of Si Sa Ket province, and again on the border in Surin province.

The fighting began about 1.30pm, with sounds of fierce exchanges involving both small arms and heavy weapons, local reports said.

Continuous gunfire could be heard from the area near Wat Kaew Sika Khiri Savara, around the Preah Vihear temple and Phu Makhua.

Second Army spokesman Prawit Hookaew said 10 Thai soldiers were wounded in an earlier clash today on the border in Surin province.

Col Prawit said the fighting occurred between 3.20am and 5am, when Cambodian soldiers tried to capture Ta Kwai and Ta Muen Thom temple ruins but were repulsed.

Renewed fighting was reported in the afternoon as the two sides exchanged heavy fire near Ta Muen Thom temple from about 3 pm. Clashes were also reported near Ta Kwai temple and Chong Krang border pass in northeastern Surin province.

There were no reports of death or injuries from either side. In late afternoon the sound of artillery fire was still being heard.

Col Prawit said there are now civilians including women and children staying among Cambodian soldiers at all operational bases around Preah Vihear temple so Thai soldiers have to be more careful to make sure they do not shoot civilians.

"I can assure you that we can protect our sovereignty with our border defence forces.

"Negotiation is out of the question because every movement on the Cambodian side is commanded solely by (Cambodian Prime Minister) Hun Sen.

"Last night seven or eight artillery rounds were fired as us across the border and one of them landed seven or eight kilometres inside Thai territory, near Phanom Dong Rak hospital," Col Prawit said.

The spokesman said the 2nd Army has sufficient military strength to cope with the situation without having to call for reinforcements.

Dr Kamron Chaisiri, a Zone 14 public health inspector, said 10 Thai soldiers suffered minor injuries in the Surin clash early this morning.

They were admitted to Veerawat Yothin military hospital in Surin.

The incident brought the number of wounded up to 42 on the Thai side since the fighting began on Friday, while the death toll remained at five, he said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has instructed all ministries to review all areas of their cooperation with Cambodia.

Acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said the cabinet passed a three-part resolution today:

- Retaliatory militarily action to push Cambodian soldiers out of the disputed area.

- Diplomatic efforts to bring Cambodia back to bilateral talks.

- All ministries are to review work plans and mechanisms involving cooperation with Cambodia.

Mr Panitan said the government has important evidence to be presented in talks to bring about an end to the conflict.

The evidence will also be used to explain the situation to the international community.

He believed the situation would improve after the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia meet at an Asean meeting in Indonesia next week. Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya also has an appointment with Asean chairman Marty Natalegawa on April 28.

"Thailand will inform the Asean chair that Thailand agrees to international observers but Cambodian troops must withdraw from Preah Vihear," Mr Panitan said.

The government will continue to provide security for the people and take steps to prevent the conflict from escalating further, although Cambodia has shown the intention to do otherwise, he said.

Mr Panitan stressed that the government and the military do not have a conflict of policy.

Even when it becomes a caretaker government following a House dissolution, it will be able to keep the situation under control, he added.

This point was also made by Deputy Prime Minister overseeing security Suthep Thaugsuban.

He said a continuation of the border conflict would not disrupt the approaching general election.

"Even if the border conflict continues once the government is only in an acting role [after a dissolution], there won't be any constraints or disadvantages because the acting government can perform its duty and still has the full authority to command," Mr Suthep said.

When reporters asked the deputy premier how the border problem would be solved if Cambodia refused to negotiate, he said there will be negotiations when Cambodia is ready.

Thailand will not invade its neighbour's territory, but at the same time the army must protect the country's sovereignty, he said.

The government will not close all Thai-Cambodian border checkpoints as people living along the border in both countries would be affected, he said.

"I don't know why Cambodia wants to capture the Ta Kwai temple ruins. It could be that Prime Minister Hun Sen wants to promote his son [Hun Manet] or create a new hero. I don't want to talk further about this," he said.

Mr Suthep also said he did not believe rumours that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has cancer.

Army spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the Cambodian army has suffered more losses than the Thai military in the clashes.

"The Thai army is not on the defensive. When they fired five, we fired 20 back," he said.

Cambodia had suffered 10 times the losses of the Thai forces, he said, but the Thai army did not want to invade because it would then become a full-scale war.

He did not give actual details of the Cambodian losses.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Monday urged Thailand and Cambodia to show restraint and said Washington was "deeply concerned".

She said that the United States had engaged directly with Thai and Cambodian officials in hopes of ending the violence, without providing further details.

BANGKOK, April 26 (Xinhua) -- The ongoing Thai-Cambodian border conflict would not disrupt the upcoming general election, Deputy Prime Minister for security affairs Suthep Thaugsuban said on Tuesday.

"Even if the border conflict continues once the government is only in an acting role (after the dissolution), there won't be any constraints or disadvantages because the acting government can perform its duty and still has the full authority to command," Bangkok post online quoted Suthep as saying.

When asked about how the border problem would be solved if Cambodia refused to negotiate, he said there will be negotiations when Cambodia is ready.

The Thai military will not invade its neighbour's territory, but at the same time the army must protect the country's sovereignty, he said.

As for the review of relations with Phom Penh which might include closure of crossing points, he said the government would not close all Thai-Cambodian border checkpoints as people living along the border in both countries would be affected.

The Democrat-led government planned to call for House dissolution by first week of May before arranging a fresh general election by the end of June or early July. The latest border fighting since April 22 has provoked speculation of election postponement.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa's abrupt decision not to visit Cambodia and Thailand yesterday clearly indicates the Asean chair's efforts to resolve the border problem between the two countries have so far been frustrated.

Mr Marty was scheduled to visit Cambodia first and then fly on to Thailand to discuss the final draft of the terms of reference (TOR) on placing Indonesian observers in the disputed area on the Thai-Cambodian border.

A government source said Mr Marty told Thai officials that he had "rescheduled" rather than "cancelled" the trip.

It has been speculated that last week's fresh outbreak of violence in the disputed area may have influenced the decision.

Cambodian Foreign Ministry spokesman Koy Kuong said Mr Marty has been expected to sign an agreement to deploy Indonesian observers at the border.

But it remained unsure whether Thailand would sign.

Cambodia has offered its acceptance of the draft. The source said Thailand is ready to sign the TOR with Indonesia but Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Thani Thongphakdi says there had been a "technical" problem.

This could be why Mr Marty asked to reschedule the trip, rather than the latest border clashes.

Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said the delay was because Thailand wants to change some wording in the TOR referring to the observers' immunity issue.

"[Once the draft is accepted] I will ask for approval from the cabinet before exchanging TOR documents with Mr Marty on Thursday during the Asean Ministerial Meeting on social and culture issues to be held in Indonesia," Mr Kasit said.

Indonesia, as Asean chair, became involved in the Thai-Cambodian border problem following Phnom Penh's request to bring a third party into the dispute.

Mr Marty recently sent both countries' accounts of the most recent clashes to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

He is also seen trying to speed up adoption of the TOR in order to demonstrate his engagement to the UNSC, from which Cambodia has requested intervention.

Under the TOR draft, Cambodia will allow Indonesian observers to be stationed in three border locations, including the 4.6-square-kilometre disputed zone.

But Thailand is strongly opposed to the presence of observers in the area.

Thailand will allow the observers in four locations in Si Sa Ket province which saw fighting between the two sides during Feb 4 to 7.

However, Thailand can claim success in the barring of forces setting up around the Preah Vihear temple or the Keo Sikha Kiri Svara pagoda nearby.

"Asean and the TOR are just the passageway for Cambodia to bring the dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) again," the same source said.

Most Thai officials believe that if Cambodia thought it could win another ICJ case, it would have no hesitation in submitting the issue to the court.

But as Cambodia is apparently not so confident of victory this time, it has tried to involve a third party's hand for this objective, the source said.

The latest clashes extended to Surin province's border, which is not covered by the existing TOR.

PHANOM DONG RAK, Thailand (Reuters) - Thai and Cambodia troops fought with short-range rockets and guns near 900-year-old Preah Vihear temple on Tuesday, opening a second front in a five-day confrontation that has killed 13 people in Southeast Asia's bloodiest border dispute in years.

The fighting raised concerns that hostilities had spread 150 km east of two other ancient Hindu temples where Thai and Cambodian troops have clashed sporadically since Friday, sending more than 50,000 people into evacuation shelters.

Thai regional army spokesman Prawit Hukaew said Cambodia fired rockets after two Thai F-16 jets patrolled the area, but he described the clash as "minor." He said he believed Cambodia was responding to the presence of Thai fighter jets which he said never strayed beyond Thai airspace or opened fire.

"We are keeping it contained to a small area," said Thai army spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd, calling the confrontation a "misunderstanding."

Sovereignty over the three ancient, stone-walled temples -- Preah Vihear, Ta Moan and Ta Krabey -- and the jungle of the Dangrek Mountains surrounding them has been in dispute since the withdrawal of the French from Cambodia in the 1950s.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said she was "deeply concerned" about the fighting and urged restraint, a comment echoed by China's Foreign Ministry.

"We hope that both Cambodia and Thailand will maintain calm and restraint, and resolve their problems through consultation," foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei told a briefing in Beijing.

Until Tuesday, hostilities had been contained to jungles near the 12th-century Ta Moan and Ta Krabey temples. Thailand says the ruins reside in its Surin province according to a 1947 map. Cambodia says they are in its Oddar Meanchey province.

Preah Vihear, scene of intense clashes on February 4-7 that killed 11 people, has been a source of tension for generations and the two countries have been locked in a standoff since July 2008, when the temple was granted UNESCO World Heritage status.

Thailand opposed the listing on grounds that the land around Preah Vihear was never demarcated. An international court awarded the temple to Cambodia 49 years ago, but both countries lay claim to a 4.6 sq km (1.8 sq mile) patch of land around it.

Thailand has pressed for a bilateral solution but Cambodia on Tuesday ruled out talks until a May 7-8 leaders' summit of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Jakarta, insisting on third party mediation.

"We will wait until then and we will meet and talk," Cambodian Information Minister Khieu Kanharith told reporters. "The meeting can be bilateral and if the talks are about border clashes, a third party must be involved."

Although on the surface, the conflict appears to be a dispute over sovereignty and territory, many experts believe the fighting is fuelled by political interests on both sides.

The two governments could be seeking to discredit each other and appeal to nationalists at home, especially as Thailand prepares for a general election expected by July.

Analysts said the Thai military could also be flexing its muscles to preserve its sizeable stake in Thailand's political apparatus and to satisfy conservative elites at odds with the country's powerful opposition forces.

"The army has nothing to lose in a border clash. They show their relevance and show who is wielding the power," said Karn Yuenyong, head of the Siam Intelligence Unit think-tank.

The clashes are a setback for ASEAN, a 10-member bloc modelled on the European Union with ambitions to become a regional community by 2015, illustrating the limits to regional diplomacy after the Thai army rebuffed international monitors proposed by ASEAN foreign ministers in February.

ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan has urged immediate dialogue and said ASEAN's reputation was at stake.

Thailand has evacuated more than 30,000 villagers in two border provinces, while Cambodia said 24,000 people had been moved to safety, accusing Thailand of attacking villages 20 km (12 miles) into its territory.

BANGKOK, THAILAND (BNO NEWS) -- Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Tuesday ordered a review of bilateral relations with Cambodia as border clashes continue to spread in the neighboring countries for the fifth consecutive day.

Both countries have confirmed clashes near the Preah Vihear temple on Tuesday, which is around 160 kilometers (100 miles) east of the Ta Krabey temple, where fighting has continued, but no reports of casualties have been released in the latest clashes.

At least 12 soldiers from both countries have been killed during the the recent clashes, which continues to worsen. On Monday, clashes erupted near the Ta Muen Thom temple in Thailand's eastern Surin province, causing about 25,000 residents to evacuate the area.

Previously, Thailand's Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya had suggested the government to review its relation with Cambodia at the weekly Cabinet meeting, while Thailand's National army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha had stated that the government was currently discussing whether or not to go to war with Cambodia over the disputed border.

On Tuesday, Thai government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said the cabinet passed a three-part resolution disclosing retaliatory militarily action to push Cambodian soldiers out of the disputed area; diplomatic efforts to bring Cambodia back to bilateral talks; and all ministries are to review work plans and mechanisms involving cooperation with Cambodia.

Both Cambodia and Thailand claim the 4.6 square kilometer area near the ancient Preah Vihear temple on their shared border, which has never been formally established. Cambodia requested Indonesian observers to mediate in the conflict but Thailand denied.

Tensions first escalated between the two countries in July 2008 following the build-up of military forces near the Preah Vihear temple. The United Nations Security Council urged both sides to establish a permanent ceasefire after at least 10 people were killed.

Clashes resumed in February as both nations claim the lands surrounding the ancient Hindu Temple, which has been damaged due to the conflict. The Preah Vihear temple dates back to the 11th century and is located on the Cambodian side of the border.

In 2008, it was inscribed on the World Heritage List in recognition of its outstanding universal value. It is considered an outstanding example of Khmer architecture and consists of a complex of sanctuaries linked by pavements and staircases on an 800-metre-long axis.

Thailand and Cambodia are scheduled to meet in next month's ASEAN summit, which is scheduled to take place in Indonesia. In addition, Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya also has an appointment to meet with ASEAN chairman Marty Natalegawa on Thursday.

VIVAnews - Indonesia once again conveys its profound concern of the continued hostilities between Thailand and Cambodia at their border areas. The current Chair of ASEAN, Indonesia believes such diplomatic path "must be persevered."

"Indonesia calls for both parties to show courage in putting to the fore the urgent need for cease fire," said Indonesia's Foreign Ministry in its statement today as Cambodia and Thailand resumed skirmishes near the Preah Vihear temple over the last few days.

BBC News reported that at least 12 soldiers have been killed in the latest outbreak of violence between the two neighbours.

Indonesia therefore recalled that only barely two weeks ago, at the meeting of the Joint Border Committee (JBC) in Bogor, Cambodia and Thailand had resolved to address the issues between them through diplomacy; however complex the issues are.

"An immediate end to the recent outbreak of fighting is needed to avoid the further loss of lives, material damage, and sufferings to displaced civilians.

The use of force is inconsistent with the vision of an ASEAN Community united as one," said Indonesia's Foreign Ministry.

At this critical juncture, Indonesia also calls for both parties to materialize their commitment to find a peaceful solution to the issue between them.

Meanwhile, VOA News reported that the defense ministers of Thailand and Cambodia agreed to hold talks for a ceasefire late Tuesday, as spreading border clashes entered their fifth day.

PHANOM DONG RAK, Thailand - Thailand and Cambodia were preparing Tuesday for ceasefire talks after a new front opened in their worst border fighting in recent history, in which 13 troops have died.

Tens of thousands of civilians have been forced to flee their homes on both sides as heavy weapons fire pounded the jungle frontier, shattering a fragile truce that had held since February.

"Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Banh has agreed to meet his Thai counterpart in Phnom Penh shortly to discuss a ceasefire between the two countries," the Cambodian defence ministry said in a statement.

Thai Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwon indicated that he was ready for dialogue with his Cambodian counterpart.

"We will have an opportunity to talk and there will be no problem. I think the situation will ease within a few days," he told reporters in Thailand during a visit to the border area.

The two armies exchanged fire Tuesday near the 900-year-old Preah Vihear temple, which has been the focus of strained relations between the neighbours since it was granted UN World Heritage status in 2008.

Fighting erupted near the ruins at 1:30 p.m. local time and lasted for 30 minutes, said Thai army spokesman Colonel Prawit Hookaew.

"They fired artillery and mortar and we retaliated," he said.

Cambodia blamed Thailand for starting the clash, which broke out in an area that had been relatively calm for two months and is 150 kilometres east of two other disputed temple complexes that have been the scene of fierce fighting since Friday.

In February 10 people were killed near the Preah Vihear temple, prompting a UN appeal for a permanent ceasefire.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Monday urged Thailand and Cambodia to show restraint and said Washington was "deeply concerned".

She said that the United States had engaged directly with Thai and Cambodian officials in hopes of ending the violence, without providing further details.

The neighbours agreed in late February to allow observers from Indonesia into the area near Preah Vihear.

But the Thai military has since said the monitors are not welcome and they have not been deployed.

Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said on Tuesday that Bangkok would review its policy towards Cambodia including trade, border checkpoints and co-operation at all levels, but would not sever diplomatic ties.

Kasit is due to hold talks with Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa, whose country is the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations regional bloc, on Thursday in Jakarta.

"Thailand will inform him that Thailand agrees to international observers but Cambodian troops must withdraw from Preah Vihear," Thai government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said.

The defense ministers of Thailand and Cambodia agreed to hold talks for a ceasefire late Tuesday, as spreading border clashes entered their fifth day.

Defense Minister Tea Banh agreed with his counterpart, Pravit Wongsuwan, to hold talks in Phnom Penh "soon" to discuss a ceasefire, according to a Cambodian statement late Tuesday.

The two men spoke by phone as border skirmishes spread to Preah Vihear province, where the two sides exchanged rocket and artillery fire, military officials said.

Fighting took place at Veal Entry, or Eagle Field, and other sites near the 11th-Century temple, and near the Ta Krabei and Ta Muan temples in Oddar Meanchey province.

At least 13 people have been killed in the deadliest clashes since a military build-up began in July 2008. At least 11 people died in heavy fighting near Preah Vihear temple in February.

This week's fighting has displaced more than 23,000 Cambodians in Oddar Meanchey province, according to a Cambodian statement.

The Cambodian Defense Ministry said in a statement late Monday that the Thai military had "assaulted" civilian targets as well as military targets in Oddar Meanchey. The ministry said in a statement that third-party observers would be welcomed in Cambodia to aid in a ceasefire.

A cursory review of the deadly tit-for-tat shelling along the Thai-Cambodia border suggests two nations are killing each other to claim grounds surrounding an ancient Hindu temple.

However, as I recently wrote, "the two nations are ostensibly warring over less than two square miles of scrubby land. But this disputed territory — devoid of gems, oil or any valuable resource — has also become the focal point of a struggle to preserve national honor and save political face."

Are there even darker motives afoot?

Op-eds and reports in the Wall Street Journal, Time Magazine and The Economist are now openly suggesting that the Thai military may be whipping up conflict in a wag-the-dog game to stoke a national crisis and thus create context for calling off coming elections.

The army's favored party, now in power, could possibly lose the election. Victory for the opposition could spell out amnesty for fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, the populist mogul minister bounced by the military in a 2006 coup. That scenario is unimaginably horrid to the powerful military figures who booted Thaksin in the first place.

Only if Thai voters read English-language outlets such as the Wall Street Journal. And, for the most part, they don't.

Thai papers, which are less apt to challenge the military, offer a blow-by-blow account of Thai soldiers defending their ground and sustaining attacks from "Khmer troops."

In one prominent Thai daily, Matichon, we have the foreign minister declaring that "patience has run out" and that "we won't accept living under Khmer bullets anymore." Competitor Thai Rath has accounts of Cambodian soldiers "violating territory." Photos show wounded Thai troops wheeled off on stretchers and displaced villagers squatting on shelter floors.

We also have the deputy Thai prime minister sounding downright exasperated at speculation the election might be cancelled.

"I've had to answer this question everyday, whether there will be an election or not," Thailand's deputy PM, Suthep Thaugsuban, told Matichon. "It's positively clear. I've yet to convey anything that would create misunderstanding among our brothers and sisters."

Meanwhile, Thailand's interior minister confirms that, actually, the clashes may prevent the parliament dissolution that would precede new elections. And Thaksin's camp has even had to deny a wild conspiracy that the self-exiled mogul is secretly commanding Cambodian soldiers to attack Thailand.

The answer depends on where you get your news.

Phnom Penh - Fighting erupted Tuesday near Preah Vihear temple, a Cambodian government spokesman said, marking a widening in the scope of border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia.

Phay Siphan said fighting was underway using artillery near Phnom Trop, a hill that lies around 10 kilometres from the 11th-century Hindu temple.

At least 13 soldiers have been killed and more than 50 wounded since Friday in border clashes that have taken place at another disputed site around 100 kilometres west of Preah Vihear temple.

In February fighting around the temple killed at least five soldiers.

Pen Song, a soldier based in the area, told the German Press Agency dpa that clashes had started at Phnom Trop, and that troops were firing rockets and shells.

Each side has blamed the other for the fighting over the past five days.

Thailand has also blamed UNESCO for escalating tensions with its decision to list Preah Vihear temple as a World Heritage Site in July 2008 despite Thai claims that a 4.6-square-kilometre area near Preah Vihear is still the subject of a border demarcation dispute.

The Hindu temple has been a bone of contention for five decades.

BANGKOK — Officials say the worst fighting between Thai and Cambodian forces in years has spread, with both sides exchanging artillery and rifle-fire near another temple in a disputed zone along the border.

Thai army spokesman Col. Sansern Kaewkamnerd says skirmishes broke out near Cambodia's 11th century Preah Vihear temple on Tuesday. Cambodian government spokesman Phay Siphan confirmed that account.

The two Southeast Asian nations have battled along their border daily since Friday in several spots around 100 miles (160 kilometres) west of Preah Vihear, which was the scene of four days of fierce fighting in February.