PHNOM PENH — Cambodian and Thai forces exchanged fire along their disputed border for a second consecutive day on Saturday, with both governments accusing the other of initiating the clashes near contested temple areas. Both sides reported civilian and military casualties.

The renewed fighting followed weeks of escalating tension over demarcation of the frontier, an issue that has soured relations since a landmine blast wounded Thai soldiers earlier in the month. Cambodia's Defence Ministry said Thai artillery had struck areas near the ancient Preah Vihear temple, while Thailand's military said Cambodian troops fired first.

Authorities on both sides ordered the evacuation of border villages. Thai officials in Surin and Sisaket provinces moved thousands of residents to shelters.

The border zone has been a source of periodic armed confrontation since the International Court of Justice awarded the Preah Vihear temple to Cambodia in 1962. Regional bodies including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations called for restraint, and Malaysia, as ASEAN chair, offered to mediate.

The United Nations Secretary-General's office urged both governments to pursue an immediate ceasefire and return to dialogue. Thailand's Foreign Ministry said it remained open to bilateral talks but insisted on the withdrawal of Cambodian forces from contested ground. Cambodia's government said it had requested urgent international attention to what it described as Thai aggression against its sovereignty.