Long-festering tensions over border territory have escalated into armed conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, leading to dozens of deaths on both sides and displacing tens of thousands of people.

Cambodia will begin conscripting civilians into its military beginning next year, Prime Minister Hun Manet said on Monday, amid simmering tensions along

Thailand and Cambodia exchanged fire along their disputed border for a second day on Friday, officials from both countries said, with more than a dozen people reported killed and more than 135,000 civilians evacuated.

BANGKOK -- Armed clashes have broken out between Thailand and Cambodia in long-disputed border areas, rapidly escalating months-long tensions.

Thailand and Cambodia are engaged in their worst fighting in over a decade, exchanging heavy artillery fire across their disputed border, with at least 16 people killed and tens of thousands displaced.

The Southeast Asian neighbors, who share a disputed 500-mile frontier, have long fought over the sovereignty of a 1,000-year-old temple.

Thailand and Cambodia traded accusations Saturday of fresh attacks as deadly border clashes entered a third day, leaving at least 33 people dead and more than 168,000 displaced, as international pressure mounted on both sides to reach a ceasefire.

I am also waiting for phone call from US secretary of state as they wish to know how US can assist,’ says Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan - Anadolu Ajansı

Thailand and Cambodia accuse each other of shelling after a ceasefire call by U.S. President Trump. Both countries disagree on who initiated the conflict, which has already led to over 30 deaths and significant evacuations.

Thailand has one of the best-equipped and trained air forces in Southeast Asia, with an estimated 46,000 personnel, 112 combat-capable aircraft, including 28 F-16s and 11 Swedish Gripen fighter jets, and dozens of helicopters.