THAILAND: ARMY ON ALERT AS CAMBODIAN FACTIONS NEAR BORDER UPDATE

(20 Aug 1997) English/Nat Fierce fighting and heavy shelling between warring Cambodian factions moved within several hundred metres (yards) of the border on Wednesday, putting the Thai army on alert. Thai soldiers took shelter inside bunkers, as Cambodian government troops trying to destroy a resistance artillery base at the nearby town of O’Smach launched shells along the frontier. Two rockets landed about 300 metres (yards) inside Thailand, prompting the Thai military to fire two warning shots back across the border. Thai commanders have called for reinforcements in case the fighting spills over the border. Another 300 Cambodian refugees scrambled past the wire-strewn border gate on Wednesday to join the estimated 35-thousand who have already crossed into Thailand. Reports said General Nhiek Bun Chhay - a military commander loyal to deposed First Premier Prince Norodom Ranariddh - asked the Thai army to open the gateway at least twice on Wednesday to