The Thai Air Force sent Swedish-made Saab JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets to join the US-made F-16 fighters today, to carry out strikes on Cambodian artillery bases at Phu Makua and Ta Muen Thom ancient temple in Si Sa Ket and Surin provinces.
Two JAS-39s and two F-16s carried out the mission, targeting Cambodian artillery pieces, which have been pounding Thai army positions. The four fighters returned to base safely.
Meanwhile, in Sa Kaeo province, Thai troops dismantled several structures built on Thai soil in Ta Phraya and Khok Soong districts, to prevent them from being used by Cambodian forces.
More than 4,000 Thais living near the border in Sa Kaeo have been evacuated to safer areas.
In Ban Laem, in Chanthaburi province, about 5,000 Cambodian civilians gathered in front of the border checkpoint this morning to return home in Battambang province.
Many of them came from Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Ayutthaya, Chanthaburi and Trat. A number claimed to be concerned about their safety when living in Thailand. The Chanthaburi-Trat Territorial Defence Command opened the checkpoint at Ban Laem, from 9am until 3pm, to allow the Cambodians to exit.
Vehicles, Thai and foreign tourists are not currently permitted to cross into Cambodia fro Thailand.
It is estimated about 10,000 Cambodians were expected head home today.
