Thai Troops and Villagers Killed in Clash Over Remote Temple

A long-running border dispute has turned deadly. Thai soldiers and villagers were killed in a clash near an ancient Khmer temple. The fighting occurred at the remote Ta Kwai temple ruins. This site is claimed by both Thailand and Cambodia. A similar dispute over the nearby Preah Vihear temple led to major clashes in 2011. This recent incident began with a gunfight between Thai and Cambodian troops. Later, Cambodian forces fired mortars into a nearby Thai village. The attack killed at least one villager and injured others. The exact number of military casualties is unclear. Both sides blame the other for starting the violence. Thailand says it is defending its sovereignty. Cambodia accuses Thai troops of entering its territory. The temple sits in a heavily mined jungle area. This makes the conflict zone extremely dangerous for both soldiers and civilians. International observers urge both nations to show restraint and return to negotiations.