Cambodian mine authorities have strongly condemned the use of cluster munitions by Thai Forces along the Cambodian border, which violates international treaties. The Ministry of National Defence said Thai forces have used the weapons at several locations.
In statement released today, July 25, the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) expressed its deepest alarm and strongest condemnation following reports that the Royal Thai Armed Forces deployed cluster munitions on border areas within Cambodian territory.
It said information they received from local authorities and technical demining teams confirmed that multiple submunitions — consistent with internationally banned cluster munitions — were deployed in the vicinity of Phnom Khmaoch and Techo Thammachart Village, posing an immediate and indiscriminate threat to civilians, deminers and all members of border communities.
“This action constitutes a serious breach of international humanitarian norms. Cluster munitions are banned under the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) due to their wide-area effect and the long-lasting danger they pose to civilians, particularly children,” the statement explained.
According to the CMAA, Cambodia has cleared tonnes of cluster bombs, which part of the devastating legacy of millions of submunitions dropped on its land during past conflicts. Such ammunitions maimed civilians, obstructed development and left entire communities in fear for generations.
It noted that Thailand also used cluster munitions in the 2011 conflict, which resulted in widespread damages and contamination.
“The use of cluster munitions — especially in or near civilian-populated areas — is an unacceptable escalation. It shows complete disregard for human life, humanitarian principles and regional peace,” said Senior Minister Ly Thuch, first vice-president of the CMAA.
According to Thuch, although Cambodia is not a state party to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, the Kingdom has never used cluster munitions and has worked tirelessly to rid our country of these indiscriminate weapons.
“Today’s incident threatens not only lives but decades of trust-building and cooperation,” he said.
The CMAA demanded the immediate cessation of any further deployment of such weapons. This act comes at a time when Cambodia has been exercising maximum restraint and maintaining its full compliance with the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, it continued.
The CMAA invited the international community — including the UN, ASEAN and relevant humanitarian disarmament bodies — to closely monitor the situation. It also called on Thailand to immediately cease all hostile actions and uphold the principles of international humanitarian law through peaceful dialogue.
Citing reports, the CMAA said Thai forces launched a large number of cluster munitions this morning at 5.25am, targeting the area of Phnom Khmaoch (Ghost Mountain), located near the border in Preah Vihear province.
A second attack was launched at 6.50am on Techo Thammachart xillage in Choam Ksant district, with cluster munitions again deployed, further escalating the threat to civilian life and border security, it added.
Defence ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata confirmed the use of cluster munitions by Thai forces today in a press briefing.
