UPDATES:
1:01 pm: While the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting is held in Kuala Lumpur, the Thai military fired three M79 rifles at civilian homes at 11:32 a.m. in Tuol Pongro area within O’Russei commune in Poipet city, according to the National Defense Ministry.
12:25 pm: Malaysian Foreign Affairs Minister Mohamad Hasan said as the ASEAN chair, they are deeply saddened by the civilian casualties and the effect on livelihoods due to the prolonged conflict which has contributed to significant internal displacements.
He said Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has worked tirelessly to facilitate an amicable solution through constant engagement with both the Cambodian and Thai Prime Ministers.
“It is my hope that this special meeting will renew our efforts for a return to stability in the affected areas. ASEAN must do whatever is necessary to maintain regional peace and stability.”
The meeting will hear a briefing from the ASEAN Observers Team (AOT) led by Malaysia’s armed forces chief. The AOT mechanism has been actively engaging with counterparts from Cambodia and Thailand to monitor the situation on the ground.
Hasan said the conflict threatens ASEAN credibility as one of the most peaceful and successful regional organizations in modern history. In a highly interconnected ASEAN and world, a security shock is a concern to ASEAN and the world.
“This is why everyone must cease hostilities and reach a peaceful resolution, which is a top priority,” he said.
11:33 am: The special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting has commenced in Kuala Lumpur to discuss the border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand.
Cambodia said the Thai military continued to use F-16 jets to bomb the fifth military region, particularly in the areas of Banteay Meanchey province, only hours before the special ASEAN Foreign Ministers meeting on December 22 in Kuala Lumpur to discuss the border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand.
Foreign Affairs Minister Prak Sokhonn departed for the meeting where he will discuss the current situation following the two-week-long clashes.
The United States, ASEAN, China, EU and leaders around the world have called for an end to hostilities, withdraw heavy weapons, and fully implement the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords signed on October 26.
“We welcome ASEAN leaders coming together this week to support Cambodia and Thailand to fully honor their commitment to end this conflict,” said Tommy Pigott, principal deputy spokesperson for the US Department of State.
As of 7 a.m., the Thai military continued ground assaults and airstrikes along the border, according to the National Defense Ministry during its press briefing on Monday.
Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata said Thai forces fired flare guns and artillery shells into areas of Boeung Trakoun, Chok Chey and Prey Chan villages in Banteay Meanchey. F-16 fighter jets dropped four bombs in the area of Boeung Trakoun, and toxic gases were released in Prey Chan, she said, adding that some areas continue to face Thai military armed “aggression”.
The Interior Ministry stated that as of 7 a.m. on Monday that the civilian death toll in Cambodia has reached 20 with 79 injured, while the total number of displaced people has risen to half a million.
