At this time, tensions along the Mekong river frontier began to rise, and a growing number of incidents, involving exchanges of gunfire, violations of airspace and harassment of Thai nationals, were reported to have taken place.us During November 1940, with diplomatic negotiations virtually suspended, sporadic fighting between the two sides broke out, although this did not immediately escalate into a sustained conflict. In this charged atmosphere, refugees began fleeing from French territory into Thailand, no doubt influenced by the intense stream of irredentist propaganda coming out of Bangkok and the knowledge that the Thai Government had decided to amend the Act allowing persons of the "Thai race" into the country with a two year exemption on the normal entry requirements.