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The six soldiers were undergoing treatment at Khai Sapphasit Hospital in Ubon Ratchathani, with two of them still in intensive care.

In Si Sa Ket, deputy governor Maitri Inthusut said villagers were not panicking, but had made preparations for evacuation four or five months ago, in case the Thai-Cambodian border dispute flared up.

The Chong Sa-ngam Pass in Phu Sing district saw 70 Thai merchants packed up and going home, while their Cambodian counterparts did the same.

Niyom Lunthaisong, 56, a Phum Sarol villager in Kantharalak district, said that, although there would be a battle, he would not move out because he was used to living in a war situation and had dug a bunker for emergencies.

"We've been at a disadvantage to the Cambodians. They shot at us first but they told the world that we fired at them first. I feel sad that the Thai government's letting them get away with this," he said.

The government should negotiate harder and not leave this issue hanging, he said.

"I want the government to make a decision fast. If there will be a war and they need us to help out, just tell us. My fellow villagers and I are ready to cooperate to end this problem," he said.

In Bangkok, Pipob Thongchai, a key People's Alliance for Democracy leader, said PAD's leading members had discussed the matter and believe that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen challenged the Thai government over this border dispute because of his close ties to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

He said they suspect that Thaksin was behind the escalation of tension, which was to cover up other news. He said the PAD backed the Thai military to fight for the country's sovereignty and did not link the military operation to the government's weak policy.

The Somchai Wongsawat administration did not gather strength but just compromised for pecuniary gain, he added.

In Chanthaburi, Thais continued to stream back from Cambodia for their own safety, especially those with businesses in Battambang, Banteay Meanchey and Siem Reap provinces.

Pong Nam Ron Police chief Colonel Boonsit Wongwai said many Thais at the two casinos across the border had also stopped working and returned home as Cambodian troops moved in to seize control of the gaming establishments.

The Chong Jom border pass in Surin's Kap Choeng district was also peaceful with some 50 Cambodian merchants carrying their goods back to their country, while fewer than 100 Thai gamblers crossed the border to visit the Cambodian casinos.

Trade along the Chong Jom border is expected to be dull for two weeks.

In Sa Kaew's Aranyaprathet district, Rong Kleu Market was quiet with some 100 Cambodians coming to buy and sell goods in the morning, compared to the usual thousands.

A Cambodian vendor identified only as Kuang said Poipet Market in Banteay Meanchey resembled a ghost town as thousands of Cambodians headed back to their hometowns to avoid the clashes.

A Thai vendor, Chaiyo Khanobbovornkul, said Rong Kleu Market was much less lively than normal and he had suffered a 70-per-cent drop in sales because customers were staying away due to rumours that no vendors were selling goods there, not out of fear for the fighting.