The deadly conflict on the Thai-Cambodian border pits a longtime United States ally with decades of experience against a relatively young armed force with close ties to China.

Death toll climbs to 33, including 5 Cambodian soldiers, 6 Thai soldiers, with dozens injured across disputed border - Anadolu Ajansı

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra denies a family feud is behind the Thai-Cambodian border conflict, saying the military must be given a free hand to “complete their mission” before any talks can take place.

As hostilities break out between Cambodia and Thailand, analysis of their military capabilities shows a growing disparity.

BANGKOK: Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has denied that personal conflicts led to the Thai-Cambodian war, stressing that non-interference and supporting military efforts were taken to resolve the crisis.

Thailand has one of the best-equipped and trained air forces in Southeast Asia, with an estimated 46,000 personnel, 112 combat-capable aircraft, including 28 F-16s and 11 Swedish Gripen fighter jets, and dozens of helicopters.

Thailand favours bilateral negotiation rather than third-party mediation to resolve its military conflict with Cambodia, two Thai officials said, as fighting along their disputed border continued unabated.

China has dismissed allegations that it was supplying weapons to Cambodia amid its ongoing border conflict with Thailand that has led to at least 33 people dying and hundreds of thousands displaced.