As fighting spread to at least six areas along the arcane frontier, Thailand’s military closed crossings between the countries. The fighting spurred at least 40,000 civilians from more than 80 villages near the border to flee to makeshift bomb shelters of sandbags and car tires.

Clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops took place along their border for a second day early on Friday, with Cambodia using heavy weapons including artillery and rockets, Thailand's military said.

Cambodia rejected Thailand's account as “baseless accusations.”

Deadly violence has flared up once again on the contentious border between Thailand and Cambodia, reigniting a long-running but little-known dispute.

A major escalation in fighting between Thailand and Cambodia prompted mass evacuations from border areas Friday.

Clashes between Thailand and Cambodia have taken place in 12 locations along their disputed border, a Thai military spokesman says.