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.

Long-festering tensions over border territory have escalated into armed conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, leading to dozens of deaths on both sides and displacing tens of thousands of people.

Thailand has mobilised gunboats to patrol its province bordering Cambodia as conflict between the two nations enters the third day, with death toll climbing to 33 and tens of thousands seeking refuge.

Thailand warned its conflict with neighboring Cambodia could “potentially develop into a war” as troops used rockets and artillery to shell targets along their contested border for a second

Indian travellers are advised to avoid Thailand-Cambodia border regions amid armed clashes. Martial law is enforced in parts of Thailand. Embassies in both nations have issued emergency contacts and urged vigilance.

Thailand favours bilateral negotiation rather than third-party mediation to resolve its military conflict with Cambodia, two Thai officials said, as fighting along their disputed border continued unabated.