Early Friday morning, in the sleepy Thai village of Kopcheung, some 500 residents awakened to the thunderous sounds of rocket fire and machine guns as Cambodian and Thai troops fought nearby. It’s a new skirmish, but the same old story, this time taking place 150 miles west of the disputed territory encirling Wat Preah Vihear. An estimated 10,000 villagers in the Thai province of Surin have reportedly been asked to flee by Thai authorities.

WoWasis reported earlier this year on the ongoing series of military clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops on the border at the historic Wat Preah Vihear, where the situation remains in a state of flux. Military activity has now spread southwest, in the area that includes two more historic temples, Ta Moan and Ta Krabei.

Reportedly, Thai troops have already sustained casualties, and both governments are in discussion regarding the latest incident. Meanwhile, buses to Bangkok from Surin maintain normal schedules, carrying Thai residents wary of more sleepless nights.