Cambodia Holds Workshop on Cluster Bomb Impacts from Thai Aggression

The Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) organized a workshop on September 11, 2026, at the Techo Peace Museum in Siem Reap, under the theme "Impacts of Cluster Bombs from Thai Aggression in 2025 and the Path Towards Ensuring Safety for Affected Areas." The workshop was attended by mine action authorities, national and international institutions, development partners, mine action operators, and representatives including the Cambodian Red Cross, NPMEC, APOPO, NPA, JMAS, UNDP, ICRC, IMCCD, Golden West, JICS, ICBL, CSHD, MAG, The HALO Trust, GUSP, UNOPS, the United Nations, and the chairpersons of mine action committees from provinces bordering Thailand. The workshop aimed to present to national and international partners the actual situation and humanitarian impacts resulting from the attacks and invasion of Cambodian territory by the Thai army in 2025, particularly the use of heavy weapons and cluster bombs. Through evidence and the results of technical research in affected areas, remnants of M42, M46, and M85 type cluster bombs were found, leaving unexploded submunitions that pose a long-term risk to the lives of citizens and land use. The use of these heavy weapons and cluster bombs caused damage to infrastructure, schools, pagodas, health centers, and several civilian locations, while the remaining explosive remnants continue to threaten the lives of farmers, citizens, especially children in the affected areas. The workshop focused on sharing information and evidence, risk assessment, research and identification of affected areas, risk awareness education, victim support, and accelerating clearance operations. Concurrently, the workshop was considered a platform to strengthen cooperation and mobilize technical support, resources, and international assistance to respond to the consequences left by the invasion and restore safety for the people. In summary, the workshop reiterated that the cessation of fighting does not mean the end of dangers from war remnants, as cluster bombs and explosive remnants continue to pose a serious threat to lives and development. Therefore, cooperation between CMAC, national institutions, development partners, and international operators plays a crucial role in accelerating clearance to ensure that affected areas are safe and can be utilized again.