Two killed as hostilities break out between Thailand and Cambodia
At least two Thai civilians have been killed and two more injured after Cambodian shelling struck a village near the border.
Military clashes have erupted between the neighbouring Southeast Asian nations.
A livestream from Thailand's side showed residents fleeing their homes and sheltering in a concrete bunker as explosions echoed nearby.
Images filtering through show bloodstained floors and soldiers being airlifted after reportedly being injured by landmines.
Thailand's military fired into two Cambodian provinces in response, according to former Cambodian premier Hun Sen.
The ex-leader, who ruled for nearly four decades, took to Facebook urging calm while calling on Cambodians to trust their armed forces and government.
Meanwhile, Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai says the nation will 'do our best to protect our sovereignty'.
'The situation requires careful handling, and we must act in accordance with international law,' he said.
Thailand's embassy in Phnom Penh has advised its citizens to leave Cambodia 'as soon as possible' unless they have urgent reasons to stay.
Both militaries accused the other of sparking the conflict, with gunfire exchanged along a long-disputed stretch of their border.
Roughly 40,000 civilians from 86 Thai villages have been evacuated to safer areas, a Thai official reported.
Thai army's deputy spokesman Colonel Richa Suksuwanont claimed Cambodia used heavy weaponry, including BM21 rocket launchers, it its attack.
But Cambodia's defence ministry has hit back, saying Thai troops carried out an unprovoked incursion, forcing Cambodian forces to respond in self-defence.
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