Thailand seals border with Cambodia after military clashes kill at least 12 people

At least 12 Thais, primarily civilians, have lost their lives as Thai and Cambodian forces engage in conflict over a contested border region.

Cambodia has been accused of launching rockets into a Thai village and assaulting a hospital, while Thailand has executed air strikes on Cambodian military positions.

Thailand has completely shut its border with Cambodia after advising all its citizens in the area to evacuate, whereas Cambodia has reduced its diplomatic relations with Bangkok, accusing it of employing "excessive force."

The fighting on Thursday signifies an escalation in a protracted dispute between the two Southeast Asian neighbors.

Our correspondent Jonathan Head reports that while there is no belief that this will escalate into a full-scale war, currently there is a notable absence of leadership in both nations to de-escalate this situation.