KUALA LUMPUR/BANGKOK - The Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting to address the Thai-Cambodia conflict was held on Monday in Kuala Lumpur, as the regional grouping seeks to promote de-escalation.

Malaysia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the meeting serves as a platform for the grouping to consider possible steps to support de-escalation and the cessation of hostilities, in the interest of peace and regional stability.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, who chaired the meeting, reminded those present that ASEAN stands at a critical juncture in regional and global affairs, as geopolitical disruptions challenge the very foundations of the region's order.

"This threatens ASEAN's credibility as one of the most peaceful and successful regional organizations and integration projects in modern history. And in a highly interconnected ASEAN and world, a security shock is an ASEAN matter and a global concern. This is why everyone must make cessation of hostilities and peaceful resolution a top priority," he said.

On Sunday, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said that Thai forces have taken control of nearly all target areas and are now compelling Cambodian forces to withdraw, with the areas being closely monitored to prevent any renewed clashes.

Anutin said in an interview with Thai media in Surin province that he has instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to clarify Thailand's position at the ASEAN foreign ministers' special meeting, stressing that Thailand is neither in breach of any agreements nor the aggressor, and that all actions taken are intended to safeguard national sovereignty and security.

He added that Thailand has consistently adhered to the principles of international law and strives to contain the situation without further escalating the conflict.

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The latest round of Thailand-Cambodia conflict has resulted in the deaths of 34 Thai civilians, Thai Ministry of Defence spokesperson Surasant Kongsiri told a press conference on Sunday, adding that with the intensity of border clashes gradually declining, residents in some areas have begun returning home, and the number of shelters has decreased.

According to Thai media reports, Cambodian forces were still shelling border areas in Thailand's Sa Kaeo province on Sunday afternoon, prompting authorities in Aranyaprathet district to issue an urgent notice for residents to relocate to safer areas.

A Royal Thai Navy spokesperson said on Sunday that a marine soldier was injured earlier that day after stepping on a landmine while on a mission in the Ban Nong Ri area in Trat province.

The spokesperson emphasized that this incident indicates that the Cambodian side continues to use landmines in the area, which constitutes a serious violation of international law.