Phnom Penh:
A Thai soldier was killed in clashes with Cambodian troops at the two countries' border early today, bringing the toll to three in the deadliest fighting between the neighbours in almost two years.
Renewed gunfights broke out briefly near a disputed 11th-century temple, officials on both sides said, just hours after earlier skirmishes left a Cambodian soldier and a Thai civilian dead.
"One Thai soldier was killed by shrapnel and four were injured in a clash lasting about 30 minutes early this morning," said Thai army spokesman Colonel Sunsern
Kaewkumnerd.
In a statement, the Cambodian government accused Thai troops of "firing mortar rounds into Cambodia's Preah Vihear province".
A Cambodian military commander who did not wish to be named said that one Thai soldier had been captured in the morning skirmishes.
Clashes between the neighbours erupted for the first time in more than a year on yesterday as simmering border tensions boiled over.
Six Thai and at least four Cambodian soldiers were also injured in the first bout of fighting, and four Thai troops were captured.
Cambodia has called the fighting an "invasion", while Thailand has branded it an "act of aggression" by its neighbour as both countries accused the other of starting the violence.
"The United States urges both sides to exercise maximum restraint and take all necessary steps to reduce tensions and avoid further conflict," said a US State Department spokeswoman in response to yesterday's clashes.
The Thai foreign ministry issued a statement early today accusing Cambodia of attacking first, calling it a "clear violation" of Thai "territorial integrity".
Thailand claimed Cambodia fired mortars, rocket propelled grenades and artillery shells into Thai territory, and said three thousand civilians living along the border had to be evacuated.