Thailand and Cambodia exchanged gunfire resulting in five deaths due to an ownership dispute over a Hindu temple which is a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site. The Preah Vihear temple is situated just 200 meters across from the Thai border and has experienced a 360% increase in tourist traffic after its declaration in 2008 as a World Heritage Site.
There have been a number of disputes with Thailand over the ownership of the temple and several people have died as a result of these clashes.
The Preah Vihear temple was built in the 11th century and has some of the finest examples of Khmer wood carvings and architecture.
It is best to avoid the area until the dispute is resolved.
