People on both sides of the border share a cultural heritage much older than modern nation-states, dating back to the ancient Khmer civilization.

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

The fighting has killed at least 14 people in Thailand, while Cambodia confirmed its first fatality on Friday.

Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai accused Cambodia of laying new landmines in the disputed area, resulting in an injury to a Thai soldier.

Thailand and Cambodia pounded each other with heavy artillery fire for a third day on Saturday, as a border conflict that killed at least 33 people and displaced more than