Early morning shelling occurred near two ancient temples long disputed on the border between northern Cambodia and northeastern Thailand, the site of most of the fighting since the conflict erupted last week.

Cambodian defense ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata said Thai forces began attacking areas around the temples at approximately 4:50 a.m.

The barrage of artillery fire rattled windows in homes in the Cambodian town of Samraong, about 20 km from the front lines, according to an AFP reporter at the scene.

Cambodian soldiers on a military truck carrying anti-aircraft guns in Oddar Meanchey province on 26/7. Photo: *AFP*

Thai army deputy spokesperson Ritcha Suksuwanon said Cambodian troops initiated the shelling around 4 a.m. as both sides attempted to gain control of strategic positions.

According to Thailand's Nation newspaper, at approximately 6:40 a.m., Cambodian artillery fire hit a house, causing significant fire damage. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

By 7 a.m., the shelling was sporadic, but the situation remained tense.

"Cambodia has not ceased fire. Shelling began early this morning, with rockets falling outside military operational areas in Surin province," said Major General Winthai Suvaree, a Thai army spokesperson.

According to Colonel Richcha Suksuwanon, the Cambodian military shelled the Ta Muen Temple in Phanom Dong Rak district and also targeted the Chong Arn Ma border area in Nam Yuen district, Ubon Ratchathani city.

Thai evacuees at a site in Si Sa Ket province on 26/7. Photo: *AFP*

The continued fighting comes as both Thailand and Cambodia declared their readiness to discuss a ceasefire after President Donald Trump spoke with the leaders of both countries in an effort to end the border conflict.

At approximately 2 a.m. on 27/7, Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that Cambodia "agrees to the proposal for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire between the two armed forces." He added that he had appointed Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn to discuss with US counterpart Marco Rubio to coordinate with Thailand to advance the process. The Cambodian prime minister expressed hope that Thailand would not change its stance.

Earlier, Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stated that negotiations would take place "as soon as possible." However, he warned that Cambodia must show "genuine goodwill" if it wants to restore peace.

Location of the disputed temples between Cambodia and Thailand. Graphics: *CNA*

Tensions over the territorial dispute between Cambodia and Thailand escalated into conflict on 24/7 and have spread with shelling and attacks, resulting in a total of 33 deaths on both sides.

The fighting has forced more than 138,000 people to evacuate from border areas in Thailand and 80,000 Cambodians to flee their homes.

Vu Hoang (According to AFP, Nation, Khmer Times)