A personal feud between two of Southeast Asia’s political titans is inflaming the worst violence on the border in more than a decade.

Cambodian President Hun Sen has denied reports claiming he fled to China amid an escalating war with Thailand. Thai media alleged Sen abandoned the country as border clashes intensified, but he refuted the claims,

The border crisis between Thailand and Cambodia has laid bare the illusory nature of Cambodia’s political transition. Far from fading into the background, Hun

Sen has also been a key player in the recent hostilities, with some analysts describing him as the driving force behind the conflict.

A border crisis has plunged Thailand back into political instability, in part because Cambodia’s ex-leader is stirring up trouble for domestic gain.

In a statement posted on social media, the Royal Thai Army (RTA) claimed that Cambodian soldiers opened fire around 8:20am in an area about 200 metres away from disputed Ta Muen Thom temple, which is located on the Thai–Cambodian border. This has led to a barrage of media reports on purported military actions on both sides.

Thailand's foreign ministry said on Friday it was taken aback by an unprecedented public attack on the Thai premier and her family by Cambodia's influential former leader, but stressed the need for diplomacy to resolve an escalating bilateral dispute.

A personal feud between two of Southeast Asia’s political titans is inflaming the worst violence on the Thailand-Cambodia border in more than a decade.

The Royal Thai Army has strongly condemned systematic attacks on Thai civilian targets by Cambodian forces, whilst dismissing claims that Thai troops have seized the disputed Preah Vihear temple as "fake news".