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

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.

The tank screeches as it rolls into the ad-hoc military base before four battle-weary soldiers jump out to re-inspect the hefty vehicle.

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,

As fighting between Thai and Cambodian forces enters its third day, with nationalist groups from both sides clashing fiercely on social media, opposition groups continue their daily attacks on the Shinawatra family without letup.

Thailand has launched airstrikes against Cambodian military targets along their disputed border, in an escalation of their deadly border dispute. Follow for live updates

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

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.

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".