Kuala lumpur: Foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) convened in the Malaysian capital to address the ongoing and escalating border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, following fresh clashes between the two nations.

According to Anadolu Agency, Malaysian Foreign Minister Hasan emphasized the necessity for the regional bloc to take decisive actions to preserve peace and stability in the region. Hasan expressed profound sadness over the civilian casualties resulting from the ongoing hostilities.

Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow informed reporters of Bangkok's proposal for immediate military dialogues between the two countries. The proposed meeting is set to take place under the General Border Committee framework on December 24.

Earlier, the Cambodian Defense Ministry accused Thai forces of launching three M79 grenades into a civilian area in Tuol Pongro, Banteay Meanchey province, raising civilian fatalities in Cambodia to 20, as reported by the Khmer Times. Conversely, the Thai army alleged that Cambodian forces engaged in artillery and grenade attacks in the Pha Mo E Dang and Phu Makua regions, as stated by The Nation website.

A peace agreement was signed by both nations in October during the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, witnessed by US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. However, the agreement was suspended after Thai soldiers sustained serious injuries from a landmine explosion in a border province.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Hasan called on both parties to fully and effectively implement the suspended peace accord. The ongoing clashes have resulted in the deaths of 21 Thai soldiers and one civilian, according to Thai authorities, while Cambodia's Interior Ministry reported 20 Cambodian civilian fatalities and 79 injuries. Additionally, Thailand reported 33 civilian deaths as collateral damage from the situation.