Cambodia Accuses Thai Military of Using 'Poison Gas' in Past Conflict, Citing Nearly 400 Casualties

Heng Ratana, Director-General of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), revealed that during past conflicts, the Thai military used 'poison gas' containing chemical substances, resulting in approximately 400 Cambodian soldiers and civilians killed or injured. This disclosure was made on September 11, 2026, during a visit led by Ratana to areas devastated by the Thai military, accompanied by members of the press. According to Ratana, the Thai military employed various types of 'poison gas' with the aim of disrupting Cambodian military and police forces. He stated, "The poison gas contained chemical substances that also affected soldiers and civilians, leading to over 390 individuals suffering serious or minor injuries, and deaths." Furthermore, Ratana pointed out that further analysis is required to definitively identify some of the chemical substances and determine if they fall under internationally prohibited categories. Previous analyses of samples collected by experts have identified numerous types of chemicals. Some have dispersed into the air, some have permeated the soil, while others remain in the area. Results from past experiments on the impact of chemical substances from previous conflicts were also presented. Ratana reported that tests conducted on 58 first-time mothers revealed toxin levels in their bodies to be two to three times higher than those of normal mothers. This issue was previously addressed in July 2025, when the Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CCHR) condemned the Thai military's use of 'poison gas' as a grave human rights violation. The CCHR emphasized that Thailand's illegal actions have had severe repercussions on Cambodian civilians, public health, the natural environment, and cultural heritage sites, including the Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The committee stated that the Thai military's use of poison gas constitutes a violation of international law and an affront to the principles of humanity and peace supported by the United Nations and regional human rights mechanisms.