Cambodia and Thailand forces fought each other for the third day over contested territory as the death toll rose to at least 32 as both sought a cease-fire.

Thai and Cambodian soldiers have clashed along the two countries' border in a major escalation of a festering dispute over territory that killed least 14 people, mostly civilians.

Both nations accused the other of firing first in their deadliest fighting in more than a decade. Thai authorities said the clashes had killed 11 civilians and a soldier.

Thailand and Cambodia exchanged heavy artillery fire for a third straight day on Saturday, as a border conflict that has killed at least 33 people and displaced more than 150,000 from their homes spread across the frontier.

BANGKOK -- Armed clashes have broken out between Thailand and Cambodia in long-disputed border areas, rapidly escalating months-long tensions.

The first clash on Thursday morning took place near the ancient Ta Muen Thom temple along the border of Thailand's Surin province and Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey province, the AP reported.

At least 16 people have now been killed in a clash between Thailand and Cambodia's militaries along a disputed border region, which entered its second day Friday.

Two powerful families, ancient temples and a leaked phone call all factor into the clash that has killed 15 civilians and displaced over 100,000.

Thai authorities said at least six people were killed at a gas station after clashes broke out with neighboring Cambodia. In Surin province, which sits on the border with Cambodia, residents took cover as both countries exchanged fire over a border dispute that escalated into the deadly clashes.

Unlike Thailand, Cambodia has fewer policy tools … to cushion the blow,” says Sreeparna Banerjee, associate research fellow at Observer Research Foundation.

India on Saturday said it is closely watching the situation as military clashes between Thailand and Cambodia continue to escalate, leaving dozens dead and thousands displaced. The government also issued travel advisories for Indian citizens in both countries,