At least 14 Thai soldiers have died in a border clash with Cambodia, the Royal Thai Army said.

“The Royal Thai Army pays tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives to defend the country’s sovereignty,” reads the respective statement issued on The Nation newspaper.

Relations between Cambodia and Thailand have deteriorated ever since an armed incident on May 28. That day, Thai soldiers opened fire on a Cambodian military position located in the disputed territory between the Cambodian province of Preah Vihear and the Thai province of Ubon Ratchathani, in Techo Morakot village in Choam Ksan District. One Cambodian soldier was killed and several others were injured in the incident.