Thai soldiers enter Cambodia near disputed temple

Cambodian soldiers guarding the Preah Vihear temple.

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodian officials say about 100 armed Thai soldiers have entered Cambodia near a disputed border temple where clashes erupted last year.

A spokesman for Cambodia's Council of Ministers says the Thai soldiers were fully armed and crossed into Cambodia about a half mile (1 kilometer) west of the 11th century Preah Vihear temple at about 1:40 p.m. (0640 GMT) Wednesday.

Spokesman Phay Siphan said no fighting had erupted but "both sides are on alert."

He said Cambodia's top commander was asking the Thai soldiers to leave the area.

Soldiers from both countries have been stationed at the border since last July, when long-standing tensions flared and fighting erupted. The clashes briefly sparked concerns of war.