Both countries lay claim to centuries-old worship sites perched on the mountains that divide the two nations, sometimes stoking nationalistic fervor.

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.

The reports that Thai soldiers “secured the perimeter of the temple” added to the tensions between the two countries

The growing border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia continued into its third day with new attacks, as fears of war loom. The conflict’s death toll rose substantially on Saturday, with Cambodian authorities reporting 12 new deaths and Thailand one,

Thailand and Cambodia exchanged heavy artillery fire for a second day on Friday as fighting intensified and spread, while Cambodia's leader said Thailand had agreed to a Malaysian ceasefire proposal but then backed down.

Acting Prime Minister Wechayachai told reporters that the severity of the clashes was escalating, endangering civilians, and Thailand was committed to defending its territory and sovereignty