Long-simmering tensions between Thailand and Cambodia escalated to deadly violence on July 24, setting off five days of military clashes at multiple spots along the roughly 800-kilometer (500 mile) border.

Thailand's army sent home two Cambodian soldiers from a group of 20 on Friday, ahead of a key meeting in Malaysia next week where defence ministers and military commanders will hold talks aimed at maintaining a ceasefire along their disputed border.

Ceasefire talks between Cambodia and Thailand were underway in Malaysia on Monday after days of deadly clashes on their disputed border sent civilians scrambling for safety and relations between the two neighbors cratering.