Thailand breaks off relations with Cambodia

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia -- Thailand sealed its border with Cambodia, recalled its ambassador and sent military planes to evacuate hundreds of terrified Thais Thursday after rioters looted and torched its embassy in the Cambodian capital.

At least one Thai man is believed to have died when a hotel was set on fire Wednesday during the riots. The unrest was ignited by a TV star's alleged comments that Cambodia's famed Angkor Wat temple should belong to Thailand.

Seven people were injured in the anti-Thailand protests, said Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Sihasak Phuangketkeow in Bangkok.

A mob of about 1,000 people set fire to part of the Thai embassy before Cambodian security forces dispersed them with gunfire.

Thai Ambassador Chatchawed Chartsuwan said he escaped by climbing over an embassy wall. Nine other embassy staff also fled.

Roving gangs also set fire to or damaged three hotels, two restaurants, a Thai Airways office and three telecommunications company offices. Thai Airways suspended its flights to Phnom Penh.

"We have stopped all activities with Cambodia. No Cambodian will be allowed to come to Thailand and we will bring all Thai people out from Cambodia," an infuriated Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said.

Thaksin said he had ordered a suspension of all government projects with Cambodia and recalled the ambassador.

Diplomatic ties were downgraded to charge d'affaires level.

The national carrier, Thai Airways, suspended its flights to Phnom Penh until Monday. All border crossings were closed, and 67 illegal Cambodian workers were rounded up in a crackdown ordered by the defense ministry.

Thailand said the measures will remain in force until Cambodia gives full explanation for its inaction against rioters, punishes the culprits and compensates for the damage, estimated at $23 million.

Later Thursday, the Cambodian government issued a statement expressing regret for the violence and promising to quickly compensate for the damage to the Thai Embassy. It said a committee would be set up to find ways to compensate the private businesses that were damaged as well.

The statement, broadcast on radio and television, added that measures were being taken to guard the property of Thais who fled the violence.

The riots broke out after a Thai actress, Suwanan Kongying, was quoted as saying Cambodia illegally annexed Thai territory that includes the Angkor temple complex.

On Thursday, the actress again denied making the comment, telling reporters in Bangkok that Wednesday was one of the worst days of her life.

A newspaper editor who first published the comments on Jan. 18 acknowledged to The Associated Press that his report was based on rumors and probably incorrect.

The alleged slight reignited centuries-old distrust in underdeveloped Cambodia of its larger neighbor.

To Cambodians, the Angkor temples are a cultural icon and a source of national pride built between the 9th and 15th centuries. Angkor Wat's silhouette adorns the Cambodian flag.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen blamed "a small group of extremists" and rumormongers for the violence, and said relations with Thailand have reached "a level of concern."

Cambodia's chief government spokesman Khieu Kanharith apologized for the violence.

"We did not expect this to go this far ... It was a mistake. We apologize and regret what happened to Thailand and her people," he said.

Interior Ministry spokesman Brig. Gen. Khieu Sopheak said more than 100 people were in detention Thursday but no charges had been filed.

On Thursday, Thai military planes made seven emergency flights from Bangkok to evacuate 703 Thais who had huddled at the Phnom Penh airport after fleeing the violence.

In Bangkok, scores of Thais demonstrated outside the Cambodian Embassy and burned the Cambodian flag. They also pulled out the brass seal and lettering on the wall, but dispersed after police officials read out an appeal by Thailand's revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Thaksin said the Thai armed forces were on full alert.

"In case something happens in Cambodia and its government cannot control it, I will send Thai troops to protect Thai interests and people there," Thaksin said.