Long-simmering tensions between Thailand and Cambodia escalated to deadly violence on July 24, setting off five days of military clashes at multiple spots along the roughly 800-kilometer (500 mile) border.

K UALA LUMPUR: Senior security officials from Cambodia and Thailand began talks in Malaysia today aimed at de-escalating border tensions, after the worst clash between the two Southeast Asian nation neighbours in decades left more than 40 dead.

Thailand's army sent home two Cambodian soldiers from a group of 20 on Friday, ahead of a key meeting in Malaysia next week where defence ministers and military commanders will hold talks aimed at maintaining a ceasefire along their disputed border.