(MENAFN) Intense fighting has broken out between Cambodian and Thai forces along their shared border, resulting in at least a dozen deaths since violence began on Thursday. The conflict centers around the centuries-old Ta Muen Thom temple, located in a disputed area that both countries claim. The border disagreement traces back to colonial-era French maps, which left the boundary poorly defined.

Both governments have blamed each other for initiating the hostilities. This confrontation marks the most serious escalation in the longstanding territorial dispute in recent years.

A day prior to the outbreak, Thailand had shut down a northeastern border crossing with Cambodia, recalled its ambassador, and expelled the Cambodian envoy in response to a landmine explosion that injured five Thai soldiers.

In response, Cambodia announced a downgrade in diplomatic relations with Thailand. It plans to expel the Thai ambassador and withdraw all Cambodian diplomatic personnel from its embassy in Bangkok.

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