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Thai soldier dies in clash near ancient temple

Cambodia - Troops are stationed at the Preah Vihear temple
Cambodia - Troops are stationed at the Preah Vihear temple

Thai and Cambodian soldiers have exchanged fire on their border for a second day in a brief clash that killed a Thai soldier.

This morning's incident is the latest flare-up in a long-running feud over land around an 11th-century temple.

Southeast Asia's regional grouping ASEAN said the deteriorating situation was undermining confidence in the region and would affect its economic recovery.

A Thai soldier was killed, and four were wounded, in a disputed area around the 900-year-old Preah Vihear temple, which is claimed by both countries.

The soldiers fought with rocket-propelled grenades and guns for about 25 minutes before reaching a ceasefire and agreeing not to reinforce troops.

Three Cambodians, including two soldiers, and a Thai villager were killed in a two-hour clash yesterday.

Cambodian government spokesman Phay Siphan said one of the Cambodians killed yesterday was a tourist visiting the temple overlooking northern Cambodia.

He said ten Cambodian soldiers were wounded, but there were no fatalities today.