7 Feb 2011

Temple damaged in border clash

8:14 am on 7 February 2011

An 11th-century temple has been damaged in clashes between Cambodian and Thai troops.

Cambodian officials said part of Preah Vihear temple collapsed after a Thai bombardment.

The fighting has claimed five lives since Friday and thousands of villagers have been evacuated.

The BBC repoprts there has been increased tension in the region since Cambodia won World Heritage status for the temple in 2008.

An international court ruling in 1962 said that the temple belonged to Cambodia although its main entrance is in Thailand and the surrounding area is claimed by both sides.

The latest incident reportedly involved mortar, rocket and artillery fire. It began at about 6.35pm local time on Sunday.

Preah Vihear temple is some 500km northwest of Phnom Penh.