Long-festering tensions over border territory have escalated into armed conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, leading to dozens of deaths on both sides and displacing tens of thousands of people.

Thailand and Cambodia exchanged fire along their disputed border for a second day on Friday, officials from both countries said, with more than a dozen people reported killed and more than 135,000 civilians evacuated.

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.

Thailand claims the ordnance was newly laid, but Cambodia says they are leftovers from a final stint of fighting during the murderous Khmer Rouge regime. Still, soon after the incident, both sides downgraded relations, expelled their neighbour’s ambassador and recalled embassy staff.

Indian travellers are advised to avoid Thailand-Cambodia border regions amid armed clashes. Martial law is enforced in parts of Thailand. Embassies in both nations have issued emergency contacts and urged vigilance.

SISAKET, Thailand, July 26 (Reuters) - When the Thai and Cambodian armies began shelling at their contested border on Thursday, Komsan Prachan thought his family was far enough away from the fighting to be safe.

Cambodian officials are reporting 12 new deaths in its fighting with Thailand, bringing death toll on both sides to 32