Reuters - Clashes erupted again Thai and Cambodian soldiers at the border, after almost 24 hours of the truce in fighting that killed at least 12 deaths since Friday.
Gunfire and explosions were heard near two twelfth-century Hindu temples, which, since Friday, was the scene of the bloody border conflict between the two countries in almost 20 years, witnesses said.The fighting forced the evacuation of nearly 50,000 area residents to temporary shelters.
Thailand reiterated its call for direct talks with Cambodia, after canceling a visit to both countries foreign minister of Indonesia, Marty Natalegawa, whose country is the current chairman of Asean (Association Nations of the South-East).On 22 February, the Minister was able to obtain a cease-fire.
The truce called for the dispatch of Indonesian military observers along the disputed border, which never materialized.
Thailand has refused so far the presence of international observers, but his foreign minister, Kasit Piromya, who spoke to reporters Monday in a nursing home, did not rule out that they can finally future unfold.
"We're not hostile.It is a sensitive issue, "he told a press briefing, about thirty miles from the theater.
Thailand wants the dispute resolved bilaterally, through a joint commission that has failed over the past decade, to clearly demarcate the border.
Dispute since the independence of Cambodia
Large border areas are not clearly delineated and can be challenged by either party.This territorial dispute is the most violent two decades between the two neighbors.
The fighting that broke out Friday near the two temples were preceded in February by four days of fighting that had killed 11 people around a temple, Preah Vihear, located 150 km to the east.
Since independence from the former French protectorate in 1953, Cambodia and Thailand dispute jungle Dangrek mountains and three Hindu temples - Preah Vihear, Ta Moan and Ta Krabey.
The most intense fighting of recent days have taken place around the site of Ta Moan.Both armies are also positioned around Ta Krabey, where the first clashes took place Friday and where Thailand accuses Cambodia to install military bases.
Since Friday, five Thai soldiers were killed and 31 others injured, Thai officials say.The official Cambodian side is seven dead and 17 wounded.
Several analysts said the two capitals have each political reasons for starting the conflict.
Thai generals close to the ultra-nationalist circles could attempt to create an environment conducive to a coup to prevent the organization of elections due by July.
The Cambodian government could stimulate the nationalistic fervor to rise in public opinion, proving that his army is able to stand up to the longtime rival.
