FIGHTING RAGES ON CAMBODIA-THAILAND BORDER AHEAD OF EXPECTED TRUMP CALL

Fighting raged on Thursday (Dec 11) at the border of Cambodia and Thailand, with explosions heard near centuries-old temples, ahead of United States President Donald Trump's planned phone call to the leaders of both nations.

- AGENCIES

At least 20 people have been killed in the latest round of border fighting that reignited last week, officials said.

Around 600,000 people, mostly in Thailand, have fled border areas near where jets, tanks and drones have waged battle.

The Southeast Asian nations dispute the colonial-era demarcation of their 800km frontier, where both sides claim a smattering of historic temples.

This week’s clashes are the deadliest since five days of fighting in July that killed dozens before a shaky truce was agreed, following intervention by Trump.

The US president said he expected to speak on Thursday with the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia to demand a halt to their renewed clashes.

"I found they were two great leaders, two great people, and I've settled it once,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Wednesday.