Clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops at their disputed border
have killed at least twelve people, Thai authorities say.
The fighting marks an escalation of a dispute between the two South East
Asian neighbours that dates back more than a century.
Most of the casualties were civilians from three Thai provinces, according
to Thailand's army, which also reported that several people were
wounded.
As at the time of filing this report, Cambodia is yet to confirm whether it
suffered any casualties.
Both sides exchanged gunfire early on Thursday, with each claiming the
other had triggered the conflict.
It escalated quickly, with Thailand accusing Cambodia of firing rockets
and Bangkok carrying out air strikes on Cambodian military targets.
Meanwhile, Thailand has closed its border with Cambodia, while
Cambodia has downgraded its ties with Thailand, accusing its military of
using excessive force.
