Thailand-Cambodia To Utilize Joint Border Patrols

October 18, 2008 4:16 p.m. EST

Preah Vihear, Cambodia (AHN) - The Cambodian and Thai militaries agreed to utilize joint patrols at a volatile border area after two soldiers were killed in a battle during a mid-week incident.

An hour-long gun battle Wednesday left two Cambodians dead and three others wounded, along with seven injured Thais.

The incident, the first of a deadly nature since July, prompted senior officers from both sides to meet in Thailand's Sisaket province to hammer out an accord.

While an agreement was reached in that situation, tension continues to rise on both sides of the conflict.

More Cambodian troops have been reportedly heading to the front line, and residents there continue to pack up and leave.

Thailand Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat told reporters Thursday, however, he believes the dispute will be worked out through diplomatic channels.

Cambodian officials sounded less positive, accusing Thai soldiers of pressing their attack inside Cambodia.