Tara & I went for a weekend trip from Bangkok to Siem Reap on Christmas. It takes around an hour to get out of the Bangkok Metropolitan Area and than another three hours to the Thai-Cambodian Border Poipet. The road is very modern, there is not much traffic and scenic nature is just stunning! (more…)

Thai and Cambodian troops clashed with heavy artillery for a sixth straight day on Wednesday near two disputed 12th-century Hindu temples at the border. The recent fights killed at least 14 people and more than 50,000 have been evacuated from their homes during the clashes.
Cease fire talks have been cancelled and most people are confused why this conflict is continuously flaring up.
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Originally published at Siam Voices / Asian Correspondent on April 11, 2011

The heavy clashes in February at the Preah Vihear Temple have been the peak in the still ongoing Thai-Cambodian border dispute.
I went to Sisaket (Thai side) during the clashes and followed many villagers who have been evacuated. Most villagers moved to the next biggest city Kantharalak. Several villages have been affected by rockets and shells. The military built up road blocks and tried to seal the area.
The refugee camps at Kantharalak were helping with food, medical support and shelter. About 20.000 refugees were in and around Kantharalak for several weeks after the clashes.
The situation at the border calmed down – most villagers moved back to their homes but some roads are still blocked and military is ready to take action at any time. (more…)