BANGKOK - At least two Thai soldiers were killed in a dawn clash with Cambodian troops on Friday, the bloodiest fighting in the disputed border area since February.

Thai army spokeswoman Sirichan Ngathong said seven Thai soldiers were also wounded and that authorities are evacuating about 7,500 people from the area.

"The fighting took place when Cambodian troops were trying to build and alter a bunker in the area which violated our agreement. When warned, Cambodian troops stepped closer and started firing," Sirichan told Reuters.

The fighting took place around Ta Moan and Ta Krabei temples in the northeastern Thai province of Surin, about 150 km (93 miles) southwest of the 900-year-old Preah Vihear temple, which saw a deadly stand-off in February.