Thai and Cambodian troops exchange small arms and rocket fire

Thai and Cambodian troops exchanged small arms and rocket fire in two areas near the Preah Vihear temple near the countries' shared border on 15 October 2008. The clashes -- which reportedly broke out when Cambodian troops prevented Thai troops from entering Cambodian territory -- continued for approximately 40 minutes and resulted in injuries to seven Thai troops. In addition, two Cambodian troops were killed. Earlier on 15 October, approximately 500 Cambodian troops were dispatched to the area and a deployment of Thai tanks was reportedly en route to the border. Following the exchange of gunfire, Thailand's foreign minister urged its citizens to leave Cambodia as soon as possible.