Thai and Cambodian soldiers have clashed along the two countries' border in a major escalation of a festering dispute over territory that killed least 14 people, mostly civilians.

Thailand favours bilateral negotiation rather than third-party mediation to resolve its military conflict with Cambodia, two Thai officials said, as fighting along their disputed border continued unabated.

Tensions have bubbled between the two neighbors for months, flaring on Thursday as Cambodia and Thailand exchanged fire.

The embassy has advised Indian citizens to avoid travelling to the Cambodia-Thailand border as the conflict enters its third day.

You can reach Shane by emailing [email protected] Thailand launched airstrikes against Cambodian forces along their disputed border after troops exchanged fire in a dramatic eruption of tensions between the two Southeast Asian neighbors.