Regarding the Use of Cluster Munitions by the Thai Side Against Cambodia’s Territorial Integrity September 29, 2026
Regarding the Use of Cluster Munitions by the Thai Side Against Cambodia’s Territorial Integrity September 29, 2026
Cambodia PR Team Responses
Regarding the Use of Cluster Munitions by the Thai Side Against Cambodia’s Territorial Integrity
September 29, 2026
Q1: How can the use of cluster munitions by the Thai side in Cambodia’s border areas affect Cambodian citizens and their livelihoods?
A: The use of cluster munitions by the Thai side can endanger Cambodian citizens both during and after attacks. It can cause death or injury, and damage homes, farmland, schools, hospitals, health centers, pagodas, and other civilian structures.
According to research by CMAC, the affected areas cover 349 villages, of which CMAC has surveyed 335 villages. The affected land area covers nearly 300,000 hectares and affects more than 90,000 families, or more than 350,000 citizens. These impacts make it difficult for Cambodian citizens to live and to use their land for farming and earning daily income.
Q2: Why is the use of cluster munitions by the Thai side a matter that the international community must pay attention to?
A: Cluster munitions can endanger civilians not only during attacks but can also continue to cause harm afterwards, as unexploded ordnance may remain in the ground. They can prevent citizens from using land for residence and agriculture safely. Therefore, the use of cluster munitions is directly linked to the protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law, which is a matter the international community must pay attention to.
Q3: What stance did the international conference in Vientiane demonstrate regarding Thailand’s use of cluster munitions against Cambodia’s territorial integrity?
A: The Third Review Conference on the Implementation of the International Convention on Cluster Munitions, held in Vientiane, Laos, recently issued a statement condemning the use of cluster munitions, while Thailand used approximately 6-7 million cluster munitions against Cambodia’s territorial integrity. The conference also called for the cessation of cluster munition use and full compliance with international humanitarian law and human rights law.
