Northern Cambodia Grapples with Legacy of Thai Invasion: Over 7,000 Unexploded Ordnance Threaten Civilian Lives

In Banteay Ampil district, Oddar Meanchey province, northern Cambodia, it has been revealed that at least 7,000 unexploded ordnance (UXO) remain in the district following the Thai invasion operation in 2025. These include cluster bombs and artillery shells, posing a serious threat to the safety of residents, especially impacting agricultural activities in an area where approximately 90 percent of the population relies on farming for their livelihood. Mr. Ken Doeum, Deputy Governor of Banteay Ampil district, informed reporters about the total number of ordnance dropped in the district. "Over seven thousand ordnance that fell into Banteay Ampil district include cluster bombs and other types of ammunition, which have caused damage to the homes and land of our citizens," he stated. According to the deputy governor, in Banteay Ampil district alone, two invasion operations by the Thai military destroyed 823 civilian homes and damaged much of the infrastructure. This includes three pagodas: Ta Moan Sen Chey Pagoda, Kiri Rongsey Thom Doan Pagoda, and Chob Koky Rot Pagoda, along with six schools and three health centers. This is only a portion of the damage across Oddar Meanchey province. Regarding the damage across Oddar Meanchey province, official reports indicate that during the second invasion operation into Cambodian territory, many important public assets were destroyed. These include two ancient temples, Ta Krey Temple and Chan Temple, two bridges, nine pagodas, three health centers, fifteen school locations, administrative posts, and border gates. Private assets included four hotels, three fuel stations, as well as vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, tractors, and other equipment. During the 2025 invasion operation into Cambodia, the Thai military used all types and calibers of weapons, including MK82, MK84 bombs, artillery shells, drone-dropped munitions, and internationally banned cluster bombs. This clearly indicates that the Thai military had a clear intention to invade Cambodian territory. It is estimated that during the 2025 Thai invasion of Cambodia, the Thai military fired approximately 120,000 to 130,000 155mm cluster bombs and about 6 to 7 million M42, M46, and M85 type submunitions into Cambodian provinces bordering Thailand. This is according to an announcement by Mr. Heng Ratana, Director-General of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC).