HOSPITAL HIT BY ARTILLERY SHELLS, EIGHT OTHERS CLOSED

By Jamaluddin Muhammad

BANGKOK, April 27 (Bernama) -– Nine hospitals in the clash zones of Buri Ram
and Surin have been temporarily closed, starting Wednesday, after one of them
was hit by artillery shells Tuesday night.

Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanavisit said patients from two district
hospitals had been transferred to other hospitals outside the zones.

The remaining seven hospitals comprise 'tambon' (administrative sub-unit in
Thailand) and community level facilities.

"We made the decision for the safety of patients and hospital staff," he
said.

Phanom Dong Rak Community Hospital in Surin was hit by artillery shells
night but no injury was reported.

Clashes involving the Thai and Cambodian troops continued for the sixth day
along the border near Surin, Buri Ram and Si Sa Ket.

Jurin said five Thai soldiers and a civilian were killed and 47 others
injured, thus far.

Thailand and Cambodia share an 800km borderline but certain stretches of the
border, including the areas where clashes occurred, have yet to be fully
demarcated.