English Transcript

Cập nhật 18/07/2008 14:57:00

Clashes have broken out near the border of Thailand and Cambodia near a historic border temple.

A group of protesters clashed with villagers on the Thai side of the border about 8 kilometres from the ancient Preah Vihear temple.

The long-standing border dispute was recently revived after the granting last week of Cambodia's application for World Heritage status for the temple.

Both countries claim 4.6 kilometres around the temple.

Thai protesters have revived nationalist sentiments over the issue, fearing the temple's new status will jeopardises claims to the land nearby.

Cambodia and Thailand have escalated their troop build-up around the disputed territory despite agreeing to hold talks next week to defuse tensions.

Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen says his country's border dispute with Thailand is "worsening" and has called for the immediate withdrawal of Thai troops and protesters from the area.