UXO threat delays mine clearance in affected provinces
CMAC deminer inspecting explosive remnants from the past Cambodia–Thailand conflict on December 30, 2025. CMAC
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Synopsis: Cambodia’s mine-free plans are delayed as new unexploded ordnance from recent Thailand border attacks threatens civilian areas.
Cambodia’s plan to declare more mine-free provinces is being delayed by explosive remnants from recent conflicts with Thailand. As a result, demining teams are being reassigned to newly affected border areas, according to Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) First Vice-President Ly Thuch.
In an exclusive interview with Khmer Times, Thuch said that the recent 21 days of fighting between Cambodia and Thailand created a new challenge on top of the existing problems from the earlier conflict.
He said the current risk is greater than before because the newly discovered explosive remnants are located in residential areas rather than remote fields or forests.
Thuch said that the Thai military carried out two attacks on Cambodian territory last year: the first from July 24 to 28, 2025, and the second from December 7 to 27, 2025. Heavy weapons were used in civilian areas, causing severe destruction to homes, infrastructure, health centres, schools, pagodas, and ancient temples. As a result, tens of thousands of families had to evacuate.
Although active fighting has ceased, Thuch warned that large amounts of unexploded ordnance (UXO) still remain, including cluster munitions, artillery shells, aerial bombs, and toxic devices.
These remnants continue to threaten civilians in the areas where they live and work.
“Our 2030 mine-free plan did not anticipate this new impact,” Thuch said. “The contamination is concentrated in residential communities, agricultural land, government buildings, religious sites, healthcare facilities, and tourist areas, including ancient temples. Some munitions even landed far from the border, expanding the affected zone and increasing the risk to a broader population.”
He said that Cambodia’s existing demining plan had already calculated the required funding and resources through 2030. The sudden influx of thousands of newly dropped explosive remnants, however, presents a major additional burden for the government and demining teams.
To date, 15 provinces have been declared mine-free, namely Stung Treng, Kep, Prey Veng, Phnom Penh, Preah Sihanouk, Kandal, Svay Rieng, Takeo, Kampot, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Cham, Tboung Khmum, Kampong Speu, Mondulkiri, and Kratie.
CMAA remains committed to clearing the remaining provinces, including those in the northeast, but progress will rely heavily on funding availability and demining personnel.
Thuch added that, currently, priority has shifted to provinces along the Thai border, which face the most urgent and dangerous new contamination.
“Our immediate priority is border provinces. We must focus our resources and budget there to prevent civilian casualties from newly dropped explosives,” he said.
Thuch said that strict safety measures are being enforced before reconstruction can begin or residents are allowed to return home. These actions follow clear guidance from Prime Minister Hun Manet, ensuring that civilian safety remains the top priority as authorities continue demining efforts.
– Khmer Times-
