Cambodia Accuses Thailand of Cluster Munition Use Along Border, Condemns “Cruel Tactics”
Cambodia’s mine action authority has strongly condemned recent actions by the Thai military, alleging the use of cluster munitions in border areas, raising serious concerns about civilian safety and regional stability. The accusations, leveled by the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) on July 25th, mark a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations.
Allegations of Cluster Munition Attacks
According to a statement released by the CMAA, preliminary field reports indicate that the Thai Armed Forces launched attacks using cluster munitions on the areas of Phanom Khumchu (Phu Chu) in the temple province, and Thaicha Natural Village, Chom Krathong District. The first attack occurred at 5:25 pm, followed by a second at 6:50 pm, both reportedly endangering nearby communities and escalating border security concerns.
The CMAA asserts that “basic information received from local agencies and technical landmarks confirmed that there are many bombs…consistent with the bombs that are prohibited to use internationally.” These munitions are described as posing indiscriminate threats to civilians, “move eliminator[s],” and communities along the border.
International Humanitarian Law Concerns
The use of cluster munitions is a grave violation of international humanitarian norms, the CMAA emphasized. These weapons are banned under the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) 2008 due to their wide-impact area and devastating harm to civilians, particularly children.
“This action is considered a serious violation of international humanitarian norms,” the statement reads. “The bombs are banned…because the bombs have a wide impact and harmful to civilians.”
Cambodia’s History with Explosive Remnants of War
Cambodia is acutely aware of the dangers posed by cluster munitions and other explosive remnants of war. The nation has long struggled with the legacy of millions of sub-bombs left behind from past conflicts, which have caused widespread civilian disabilities, hindered development, and instilled fear in communities for generations.
As a senior official stated, Cambodia has “faced a bad heritage from millions of sub-bombs that had been abandoned on their territory during the past conflict.”
Echoes of Past Conflicts
The CMAA further alleges that Thailand has employed similar “cruel tactics” in the past, specifically during a 2011 border dispute near the Preah Vihear temple. The use of cluster munitions at that time resulted in significant damage and widespread contamination.
“Thailand comes back to use cruel tactics again,” the CMAA statement asserts, referencing the 2011 incident.
Calls for De-escalation and Investigation
Senior Minister Lee Thu Chua, Vice President of the CMAA, condemned the recent actions as “an unacceptable situation,” demonstrating a disregard for human life, humanitarian principles, and regional peace. While Cambodia is not a signatory to the CCM, the country has consistently worked towards eliminating these indiscriminate weapons within its borders.
“Today’s events are not only threatening life, but also threatening to build trust and cooperation for decades,” Lee Thu Chua reportedly said.
The CMAA has issued an immediate call for an end to the use of these weapons and urged all parties to prioritize negotiations, mutual respect, and the avoidance of violence and military provocation. The authority has also emphasized its commitment to transparency and responsibility, inviting international communities, including the United Nations, ASEAN, and relevant humanitarian disarmament organizations, to closely monitor the situation.
Demand for Peaceful Resolution
The CMAA’s statement concludes with a firm demand for Thailand to cease “enemy actions” and adhere to the principles of international humanitarian law through peaceful negotiations. The organization warns that progress in mine action and peacebuilding in the region can only be achieved through dialogue and restraint.
