Could two little-known temple complexes on the Thai-Cambodian border spark the fiercest clashes between the two neighbours in years? Hidden deep in the jungle off the main tourist trail, the two temples - Ta Kwai and Ta Muen Tom in Thai, or Ta Krabei and Ta Moan in Khmer - might have set the scene for the eruption of violent conflict last month.
Until now, the two countries have failed to conclude even a temporary ceasefire. Thailand blamed Cambodia for being insincere and untrustworthy. Meanwhile, Cambodia condemned the Thai military for wanting this war to avert an election at home. While Cambodia has repeatedly urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to intervene, Thailand has brushed aside the grouping's offer to mediate.
The situation is getting more complicated since the two temple ruins have been dragged into the border conflict.
Estimated to be at least 800 years old, they are located 15 kilometres apart and around 150 kilometres west of the Preah Vihear temple, which has traditionally been at the centre of bilateral unrest.
Both Thailand and Cambodia have laid claim to the ruins. The two ancient temples are among several elegant Khmer architectural structures built for Hindu deities. Historians believe that both might have been constructed around the same time as the Preah Vihear, in the 11th century.
Emotions run deep in both countries. Particularly in Thailand, the discourse of 'lost territories' gave birth to nationalist forces that drove the country into deadly conflict with Cambodia. Such discourse has been used as a political tool by certain groups, including the Thai military.