Preah Vihear temple dispute escalates

The dispute between Cambodia and Thailand over ownership of land adjacent to the ancient Preah Vihear temple has escalated and over 1,000 troops are now in the area.

Officials have confirmed that talks will be held next week in an attempt to resolve the standoff, AFP reports.

In the meantime Thailand has closed off access to both the temple and the national park.

Last week Unesco made the 11th-century temple a world heritage site, despite alleged Thai attempts to block the award.

Now, up to 400 Thai soldiers and 800 Cambodian army personnel are gathered on the mountain slopes below the ruined monument and it has also been reported that Thailand has F-16 jets patrolling the border area.

Independent political tensions in both countries mean that public feeling is riding high over the border dispute.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office warns that visitors to the area should avoid any political demonstrations taking place.

For background on the dispute see this travelbite story.