Border tensions died down Monday (February 8) but the war of words flared up with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen reciting a curse on Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva for his comments on disputed territory.

Thai security forces had been put on alert over the weekend as Hun Sen toured the border near overlapping areas including the Preah Vihear Temple.

The PM arrived in the vicinity of Ta Muen Thom Temple but did not visit the ruins.

Colonel Thanet Wongcha-um, chief of staff of the Suranaree Task Force, which oversees the area, said Thai authorities on the ground informed Hun Sen's advance team the situation was not safe due to the presence of yellow-shirt protesters.

Before leaving the area, Hun Sen presided over the inauguration of Ta Moan village in Oddar Meanchey province, some five to six kilometres away from the temple, Thanet said. Thai troops retreated after his departure, he said.

During the opening ceremony, Hun Sen launched a verbal attack on Abhisit.

Abhisit said on Sunday that Hun Sen's visit to Preah Vihear would help Thailand claim possession of the area surrounding the temple.

Hun Sen visited the temple on Saturday and accused Thai troops of invading Cambodia. Abhisit said later that day that Hun Sen's accusation meant the Cambodian leader accepted Thai ownership.

Hun Sen put a curse on Abhisit.

"If you don't tell the truth about Thai troops invading Cambodia, let magic objects break your neck, may you be shot, be hit by a car, may you be shocked by electricity or (may you be shot) by misfired guns."

"Will Abhisit swear on having all his family members killed and having them (perish) in a plane crash, if (he still claims) that Thai troops did not invade Cambodia?" Hun Sen was quoted as saying by Cambodian website Deum Ampil News.

The International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that Preah Vihear is located in territory under the sovereignty of Cambodia. Abhisit argued that the court was referring only to the stone remains but the area adjacent to the temple belongs to Thailand.

He said again Monday that Thailand would never surrender any of its territory.

Relations with Cambodia turned sour after Abhisit took power due to his stance against Cambodia over the Preah Vihear issue.

Hun Sen criticised Abhisit for supporting the yellow-shirt movement, which helped set the stage for the military coup in 2006 and seized Suvarnabhumi Airport in 2008, paving the way for Abhisit to assume power.

Chavanond Intarakomalyasut, secretary to the foreign minister, said Thailand regretted learning about Hun Sen's harsh statement.

Such an outburst would undermine attempts to restore diplomatic relations, he said.