Thai-Cambodian border shows signs of easing

The tense situation in the disputed border area between Thailand and Cambodia has shown signs of easing.

On May 2, tens of thousands of people evacuated due to prolonged clashes between soldiers of the two countries began to return home.

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said that as the clashes between the two sides showed signs of easing, people could safely leave the camps. The return of people to their homes was carried out after authorities analyzed the situation and determined that there were likely no problems.

Thai people evacuated at a shelter in Surin province. Source: AP

In northeastern Thailand, refugee centers along the border with Cambodia have begun to close.

The governor of Surin province in this part of Thailand said about 44,000 people in 35 refugee camps have been allowed to leave the fighting area to return home.

In Cambodia, an official from the National Disaster Management Committee said more evacuees would return home in the coming days. The situation has improved and people are less worried.

According to the Cambodian Border Front Command, Thai soldiers fired artillery and mortar shells from the evening of May 1 to the early morning of May 2, but caused no casualties. Meanwhile, Thai commanders said that the two sides exchanged automatic weapons on the evening of May 1, but did not use heavy artillery.

The Cambodian Ministry of Defense on May 2 issued a statement welcoming the negotiations at the military command level between the two countries, aiming to build trust to ensure the ceasefire agreement takes effect.

Clashes in the Cambodia-Thailand border area since April 22 have so far killed 16 soldiers and one civilian from both sides.

According to VNA