Villagers in northeastern Thailand built bunkers and stockpiled emergency supplies as fears rose over a border territory conflict with neighbouring Cambodia.

Communities in border provinces Buriram and Surin reinforced shelters and built new structures in temples, schools, and residential areas amid concerns that peaceful negotiations would fall through.

Footage shows Buddhist monks constructing dirt-covered bunkers reinforced with sandbags and rubber tyres on June 16.

Phra Yanyong Praphakaro, acting abbot of the Wat Ban Sai Takhu temple, said: 'Originally, we did not have a bunker, but after the clash at Chong Bok in Ubon Ratchathani and the ongoing lack of resolution, the government sector, including community leaders and villagers, decided to create a bunker at the temple in which monks and residents can take shelter in case conflict erupts.

‘As for myself, I pray that more fighting is averted, and I hope for a peaceful resolution. However, if clashes do occur, I pray for the safety of Thai soldiers and residents. We are continuing to monitor updates on the situation.'

Residents claimed they have seen Cambodian artillery aimed at the Thai side of the border. They said they feared a repeat of similar territorial clashes that sparked mass evacuations in the area in 2011.

Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have intensified following a deadly clash between their troops in a disputed area of Ubon Ratchathani, on May 28.

The skirmish killed a Cambodian sergeant. Thailand said it was committed to resolving the dispute conflict through bilateral means, while Cambodia has vowed to bring the case before the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

Cambodia has responded by closing a border checkpoint, disrupting fruit and vegetable transport from Thailand.

Thailand and Cambodia have a fractious history. The Khmer Empire once stretched across much of Southeast Asia before the ancient leaders moved their base south to Phnom Penh in the 16th century amid water shortages.

Thai tribes used it as a chance to encroach and claim much of the deserted land, including priceless sandstone temples and artefacts.

In the 1970s, Thailand supported the Khmer Rouge while they carried out one of the world's worst ever genocides. The country then provided sanctuary for the group's murderous leaders, even allegedly stealing aid funds that were intended to rebuild Cambodia.