20 killed in Cambodia-Thailand border clashes; Trump's call expected

Fighting continued on Dec 11 along the border of Cambodia and Thailand, with explosions heard near centuries-old temples ahead of US President Donald Trump's planned phone call to the leaders of both nations.

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At least 20 people have been killed in the latest round of border clashes 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 countries dispute the colonial-era demarcation of their 800km-long frontier, where both sides claim a smattering of historic temples.

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

He said he expected to speak on Dec 11 to the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia to demand a halt to the fighting.

"I found they were two great leaders, two great people, and I've settled it once," Mr Trump told reporters at the White House on Dec 10.

"I think I can get them to stop fighting," he said.

Speaking to journalists on Dec 11, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said there had been "no coordination" yet with Mr Trump.

"But if there's a call from the US President, we definitely will answer the phone," Mr Anutin said.

"This is an issue between two countries. He has good intentions to see peace, but we have to explain what the problems are and why it turned out this way."