Ministers hope for Thai-Cambodian temple solution

Thailand and Cambodia are due to hold talks today over the Preah Vihear temple dispute. [Reuters]

Thailand and Cambodia are due to hold talks today on a simmering border dispute that's seen an escalation of military troop activity.

The row was prompted in part by UNESCO's decision to grant Cambodia world heritage status for its ancient Preah Vihear Hindu temple.

Both countries lay claim to 4.6 kilometres of land surrounding the temple.

Thai protesters have revived nationalist sentiments over the issue, claiming the temple's new status will jeopardise their claims to the land.

Singapore's foreign minister, George Yeo, says ASEAN foreign ministers have urged both sides to find a peaceful solution.

"We urged both sides [Cambodia and Thailand] to exercise utmost restraint and resolve this issue amicably, in the spirit of ASEAN solidarity and good neighbourliness," he said.

"We hope the General Border Commission between Thailand and Cambodia and other bilateral talks will find a way to defuse the situation."