Troops from Thailand and Cambodia have again exchanged fire over their disputed border. Unconfirmed reports, quoting a Thai army spokesman, said that one Thai soldier had been killed and seven more were wounded. Each side has accused the other of starting the latest exchange. Tensions have been high since a skirmish in February at the Preah Vihear temple, which is claimed by both countries. The latest exchange was about 100km (62 miles) south-west of the temple. Thailand said its troops had been on routine patrol and Cambodia fired first.

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PHNOM PENH, April 22 (Xinhua) — Cambodia and Thai troops exchanged fires at two separate temples at border area, located about 200 kilometers west of disputed temple of Preah Vihear, military sources said on Friday. The sources said the clash occurred at around 6:00 am on Friday at Ta Moan and Ta Krabey Temples. Neak Vong, deputy commander of brigade 42 at Ta Mon Thom temple, said that all kinds of weaponry have been used. “Now the exchange fire between Cambodia and Thai troops is continue,” he told Xinhua by telephone as the sound of weapon explosions on the background. [sic]

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In recent months, the area along this border region has been in dispute by authorities in Thailand as well as Cambodia. It was hoped that these tensions could be resolved through diplomatic channels. In fact, it was initially suggested that the United Nations play a role in arbitrating the dispute. At the time of this writing it is this blogger’s understanding that there is no UN arbitration, but the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has apparently been involved in attempting to mediate the dispute between Thailand and Cambodia. Clearly, such efforts have yet to bear fruit.

The legal and political issues involved in this dispute are both complex and controversial. It remains to be seen how this situation will unfold, but hopefully, this dispute can be resolved to the benefit of all concerned.

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