SI SA KET, Feb 7 - Cambodian troops using semi-automatic rifles, mortars and recoilless rifles fired on a Thai military base in Si Sa Ket province bordering Cambodia Monday morning for a fourth straight day, but Thai troops did not retaliate, according to the Thai Second Army Region.

The latest firing which began around 8am Thailand time lasted only a few minutes. The shooting followed heavy round of fighting involving artillery and shots from small firearms Sunday evening leaving 15 Thai soldiers and two civilians wounded.

Local authorities ordered the urgent evacuation of all villagers in Phum Srol district amid reports of Cambodian troop reinforcements at the border.
 
About 15,000 villagers fled their homes and are now staying at five temporary shelters.

Cambodian artillery shells hit a local temple in Si Sa Ket and caused severe damage to two monks' living quarters and the kitchen in a house. A large hole caused by an artillery shell was found on an asphalt road. Army engineers filled in the pit, five metres wide and about 80 centimetres deep.

Phum Srol village is deserted, quiet. Shops and homes are closed as most villagers fled to safer areas overnight.

The Si Sa Ket provincial governor denied rumours that Cambodian troops have taken control of some areas of Thai territory.

The 2nd Army Region ordered closure of the Chong Jom border point in Surin for an indefinite period after the renewed border clash Sunday, which occurred despite a just negotiated ceasefire.

Both traders and local residents were apprehensive, and Cambodian traders moved their belongings back to their country.

Thai government authorities closed shops in Ubon Ratchathani's Samrong district and are ready to evacuate villagers along the border in Phanomdongrak and Kap Choeng districts in Surin.
 
Meanwhile, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has warned publicly that the fighting poses a threat to regional stability. He said the latest clash was sparked after Thai soldiers crossed the border in search of a slain comrade, and Cambodians opened fire to repel them, the Associated Press reported.

Cambodian prime minister said on Monday during a university graduation ceremony in the capital, Phnom Penh.
 
Cambodia said two of its soldiers and one civilian were killed on Friday, while Thailand said a villager and a soldier were killed in a renewed fighting on Saturday. (MCOT online news)