Thai Air Force strikes border targets hours before ceasefire, as Cambodia continues troop build-up near disputed temple zones.

At least 12 have been killed in violent tensions along the disputed border separating Thailand and Cambodia. This follows a flare-up in May in which troops exchanged fire.

After nearly 30 years in service, the Swedish-made JAS 39 Gripen fighter saw its first combat use by Thailand, in a border clash with Cambodia, signaling its growing regional strategic value.

Thailand and Cambodia exchanged heavy artillery fire for a second day on Friday as their worst fighting in over a decade intensified and spread to new areas, despite international calls for a ceasefire.

Bangkok: Thai and Cambodian soldiers clashed in several areas along their border Thursday in a major escalation of their conflict that left at least 11 people dead, mostly civilians. The two sides fired small arms, artillery and rockets, and Thailand also called in airstrikes.