Thai Military's Munitions at Preah Vihear Temple Complex Under Investigation

The Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) has released findings regarding munitions used by the Thai military during its incursion into Cambodian territory and the subsequent conflict around the Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in 2025. During a press conference on September 11, Heng Ratana, Director-General of CMAC, stated that MK-82 bombs, intended for aerial deployment by the Thai military, were discovered at the Preah Vihear Temple site. He noted that the blast pressure from these aerial bombs can affect areas within a radius of approximately 500 to 1000 meters from the impact point, posing a risk to the temple's structure and surrounding areas. "The explosion's force and vibrations can pose a serious risk to the temple's structure, with parts potentially facing collapse if immediate reinforcement and repair are not undertaken," Ratana explained. "This is particularly true in areas with firm soil and rock, which can amplify the effects of explosion vibrations." In addition to aerial bombs, CMAC experts have confirmed the use of artillery shells by the Thai military, specifically 155mm and 105mm rounds. Among the targets attacked was a repair crane for Preah Vihear Temple, which was destroyed using 105mm shells. Furthermore, the Thai military employed drones to drop modified bombs of 122mm, 81mm, and 60mm calibers. The 122mm rounds were used for both artillery fire and drone deployment. In total, 501 bomb craters have been identified in the vicinity of Preah Vihear Temple, including both live and unexploded ordnance, Ratana added. In other combat zones, the Thai military utilized a total of 43 types of combat munitions to attack and occupy Cambodian territory along the border, including areas around Ta Moan Thom Temple and Ta Krabey Temple. At the Chey Chomneas Bridge in Pursat Province, the Thai military dropped seven bombs, some of which were found in the river. At the Ou Chik Bridge in Udor Mean Chey Province, three bombs were reported to have been dropped, with an additional six found nearby. The ancient Tuop Bridge also yielded two MK-82 bombs. According to the CMAC Director-General, the provinces most affected by the fighting and residual ordnance from the Thai military include Preah Vihear, Udor Mean Chey, Banteay Meanchey, and parts of Pursat Province. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local