October 15, 2008
Bangkok - Thailand is ready to evacuate Thai people in Cambodia after a new round of fighting, according to the foreign ministry.
Gunfire took place when Cambodian soldiers first fired at Thai soldiers near the Preach Vihear site.
"We have prepared an evacuation plan but we have to see how serious the situation is before the plan is executed," Foreign Minister Sompong Amornviwat said.
Foreign ministry confirmed Thailand was not the first to fire and Thai soldiers had the right to protect themselves.
The intelligence unit was assigned by Second Region Army Commander Lt Gen Vibulsak Neehpan to closely keep up with the situation.
Ten Thai soldiers in the disputed area surrendered to Cambodian troops amidst gunfire, according to AFP.
It was reported five Thai scout were injured during the gunfire.
Thais were last evacuated from Cambodia in 2003 when Thai embassy in Phnom Penh was set on fire by Cambodian nationalists.
