BANGKOK: Thailand’s army said on Saturday it would take control of the opening and closing of border checkpoints on the border with Cambodia as tensions between the two countries rise. Thailand has reinforced its military presence along a disputed border with Cambodia, following an increase in troops on the other side, Thailand’s defense minister said on Saturday, as tensions simmer following a deadly clash.

Thailand’s military said it had gathered ‘worrisome’ indications that Cambodia has stepped up its military readiness.

Thailand and Cambodia have for more than a century contested sovereignty at various undemarcated points along their 817 km (508 miles) land border.