Forces Thais, Cambodians shock to the temple - CBC.ca

Thai and Cambodian soldiers clashed Friday at a temple in a disputed border region, with reports indicating that four soldiers were killed.

The two sides exchanged fire rockets, machine guns and rifles to a temple in Ta Krabey in the province of Surin of Thailand.

Spokesperson of the Thai army's colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the fighting began at dawn and lasted more than an hour.

SERM Chainarong, the Governor of the province of Surin, said that the authorities are preparing to evacuate approximately 5,000 people in the region.

Ministry of Cambodian defence lieutenant-general Chhum Socheat spokesman three Cambodian soldiers were killed and six wounded, while a Thai army spokesman said one Thai soldier was killed.

Thai lieutenant colonel Siriya Khuangsirikul said both sides "are in the midst of negotiating a ceasefire."

The two countries were locked in an old conflict for several decades on the temples and the land that surrounds them. Nationalist fervor in the two countries has recently fueled the conflict.

In February, at least eight people were killed when the two countries have exchanged artillery and gunfire in the 11th century Preah Vihear temple, which is approximately 250 kilometres from the site of the clash Friday.

Clashes have erupted several times since 2008, where Preah Vihear was designated a United Nations World Heritage site.

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updatedJapan may prohibit access nuclear plant - CBC.ca

The Japan plans to prohibit access to the area evacuated around a nuclear plant damaged in the month last earthquake and tsunami.

Up to 80,000 people lived in the area of 20 km around Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plants, but almost all of them have left.

However, a few people have been back to check their home, despite the police.

The nuclear power plant has been leaks radiation since its cooling system has been damaged in the earthquake on March 11 and the subsequent tsunami.

Now, officials are indicating for the first time that the area around the plant can be concluded.

"We are considering implementation areas of caution as an option to limit effectively the entry," said the Secretary General of Government Yukio Edano.

He said that Prime Minister Naoto Kan will discuss the closure when he travels in the region to meet with local officials Thursday. Kan will also visit a nuclear crisis management centre.

Noriyuki Shikata, Member of Edano, said more details on how the access could be controlled are still developed.

"There are a number of people who can enter the area." Under the current regime, we are not able to enforce legally - there is no penalty for entering in the box. There is awareness of the need for a stronger application of the region, said Shikata.

Also, Tokyo Electric Power Co., the operator of the nuclear power plant, said Wednesday that it distributes compensation claims for people forced to leave the region. The company offers approximately 12 000 US $ per person in initial compensation.

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