ASEAN top diplomats discuss Thailand-Cambodia border dispute amid fresh clashes

Foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Monday met in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur to discuss the ongoing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia amid fresh clashes.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Hasan said the regional bloc "must do whatever is necessary to maintain regional peace and stability," according to the Bernama news agency.

He expressed "deep sadness" over civilian casualties due to the ongoing clashes.

Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow told reporters that Bangkok has proposed that the two militaries "should meet as soon as possible."

Sihasak said the meeting will be held under the General Border Committee framework of the two nations on Dec. 24.

Earlier today, the Cambodian Defense Ministry claimed that Thai forces fired three M79 grenades into a civilian area in Tuol Pongro in Banteay Meanchey province, and its civilian deaths now climbed to 20, the daily Khmer Times reported.

The Thai army also accused Cambodian forces of firing artillery and grenades in the Pha Mo E Dang and Phu Makua areas, according to The Nation website.

The two countries signed a peace agreement in October at the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in the presence of US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, but it was later suspended after Thai soldiers were seriously injured in a landmine explosion in a border province.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Hasan urged both sides to "undertake full and effective implementation" of the peace accord.

Thai authorities say 21 Thai soldiers and one civilian have been killed during ongoing clashes, while Cambodia's Interior Ministry said 20 Cambodian civilians were killed and 79 others injured.

Thailand also said that another 33 civilians were killed as "collateral effects of the situation."

Separately, China urged Cambodia and Thailand to "quickly achieve a ceasefire and restore peace."