KUALA LUMPUR, July 25 -- Cambodia and Thailand are now locked in their most violent border conflict in over a decade, marking South-east Asia's most serious flashpoint since the Myanmar crisis.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who currently chairs Asean, yesterday urged both countries to declare an immediate ceasefire and return to the negotiating table.

The latest fighting erupted after five Thai soldiers were injured on Wednesday at a shared border crossing, allegedly after stepping on landmines that Thailand claims were newly planted by Cambodia - a claim Cambodia denies.

Thailand responded yesterday by deploying multiple F-16 fighter jets - reportedly up to six - to bomb Cambodian military targets. Exchanges of fire continu...