Thai and Cambodian soldiers have clashed along the two countries' border in a major escalation of a festering dispute over territory that killed least 14 people, mostly civilians.

Ex Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said that the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia was not caused by a feud between his family and Hun Sen

Armed clashes have broken out between Thailand and Cambodia in long-disputed border areas, rapidly escalating months-long tensions.

The Pheu Thai Party has dismissed allegations that the Thai-Cambodia border dispute stems from personal or political rivalries between the Shinawatra and Hun Sen families, instead attributing it to Phnom Penh’s dissatisfaction with Thailand’s aggressive crackdown on Cambodia-based online scam centres.

Shots were fired as Thai and Cambodian forces clashed on Thursday in a disputed area of their border, according to military officials, a day after a Thai soldier lost his leg in a landmine explosion.

Thailand and Cambodia exchanged heavy artillery fire for a second day on Friday as border fighting intensified and spread, while Cambodia's leader said Thailand had agreed to a Malaysian ceasefire proposal but then backed down.