Phnom Penh, July 25, 2025 — The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) strongly condemns the reported use of cluster munitions by the Royal Thai Armed Forces on July 23, 2025, in a Cambodian border area near Phnom Khmouch and Techo Thammachart Village. The discovered submunitions are consistent with internationally banned cluster munitions and pose serious risks to civilians, deminers, and border communities.
Cluster munitions are prohibited under the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions due to their devastating and long-lasting impact, especially on children. Cambodia has suffered firsthand from the legacy of such weapons. Senior Minister Ly Thuch, First Vice President of CMAA, stated that the use of these weapons—particularly in or near civilian-populated border areas—constitutes a serious escalation and shows disregard for human life, humanitarian principles, and regional peace. While Cambodia is not a party to the Convention, it has never used cluster munitions and remains committed to their elimination.
CMAA calls for the immediate cessation of all use of these weapons and urges the international community—including the United Nations, ASEAN, and humanitarian disarmament bodies—to closely monitor the situation. Thailand must immediately cease all hostile actions and adhere to international humanitarian law through peaceful dialogue.
