Sri Lanka, July 25 -- Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai Friday blamed Cambodia for initiating the latest armed conflict by using "military force first."

During a speech at the Government House, Phumtham said that the targeting of hospitals and civilian areas by Cambodia is "a severe war crime," according to The Nation.

The Thai premier also said that the foreign minister briefed the UN chief on the situation and sent a letter to the UN Security Council.

Local media reported that authorities imposed martial law in two border provinces, Chanthaburi and Trat, on Friday.

Thailand and Cambodia have both evacuated their people from border regions.

According to Thailand's Health Ministry, the death toll has climbed to 15...