Local Cambodian residents flee the battlefront near the Preah Vihear area, Feb. 7, 2011. (Xinhua/Phearum) (cl)

BANGKOK, Feb. 8 (Xinhua) -- Somsak Suwansucharit, the governor of border Si Sa Ket province, said on Tuesday that about 16,654 people had been evacuated from their homes in villages along the Thai-Cambodian border.

The evacuees were staying at 40 holding centers set up across Si Sa Ket province. Some of villagers fled to Ubon Ratchathani province adjacent to Si Sa Ket as they see it safer.

They would not be allowed to return to their homes until it is certain that the situation has returned to normal, Si Sa Ket governor said.

First aid corner was also set up at every center. Dry food was enough but they need toys for children, according to Somsak.

The governor said seven houses in border villages had completely burned down after being hit by shells during in the cross-border fire. The government will help build new houses for the families, he said.

Northeastern Si Sa Ket province was the most affected province as it is bordering Cambodia and near the areas where clashes erupted.

Cambodia and Thailand troops have exchanged fire for five times due to territorial dispute since Feb. 4, and both sides have used heavy weapons including rockets, machine guns, mortars and artillery. The clashes have already left many soldiers and civilians killed and wounded.

A Thai soldier, who is injured during the crossfire between Thai and Cambodia soldiers at disputed border areas on Sunday's night, is transported to a hospital in the battlefront near Preah Vihear temple at the border between Thailand and Cambodia, Feb. 6, 2011. (Xinhua/Sun)

Source: Xinhuanet