Thailand has reinforced its military presence along a disputed border with Cambodia, following an increase in troops on the other side, Thailand's defence minister said on Saturday. Tensions between the two Southeast Asian countries have been simmering since a Cambodian soldier was killed on May 28 in a brief conflict in an undemarcated border area.

Both Cambodia and Thailand expressed hopes for a peaceful settlement of the border dispute after a brief exchange of gunfire in a disputed border area on May 28.

Thailand’s armed forces are ready to defend the border in the face of a deadly clash with Cambodia that erupted last week, a top official said, adding that the country wants to maintain peace with its neighbor.