Cambodia Accuses Thailand of Using Cluster Bombs; Thailand Denies Targeting Civilians

Cambodia has publicly accused the Thai military of deploying cluster munitions in its territory, intensifying tensions in the ongoing border clash between the two Southeast Asian neighbors. Phnom Penh says the alleged attacks occurred in Banteay Meanchey province, with additional explosives reportedly dropped near civilian areas.

According to a statement from the Cambodian Ministry of Defense, Thai fighter jets dropped cluster bombs in Banteay Meanchey and used four other bombs near populated zones in Battambang province. The ministry also cited concerns from the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority regarding the use of these weapons and potentially toxic ordnance near village communities.

Cambodian authorities argue that the use of cluster munitions — which scatter bomblets over wide areas — poses a long-term risk to civilians and violates basic humanitarian norms. Their statement comes amidst ongoing efforts by local demining agencies and international partners to reduce the danger posed by unexploded ordnance in former conflict zones.

Thai Military Rejects Allegations, Defends Its Operations

Bangkok has rejected Cambodia’s accusations. A spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, Winthai Suvaree, dismissed the claims and maintained that the weapons used were aimed solely at military targets, not civilian populations. The Thai side emphasised that the munitions referenced by Cambodia were part of dual-purpose artillery shells intended to degrade opposing forces’ combat capabilities\

Thai military officials also pointed out that neither Thailand nor Cambodia is a party to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, an international treaty banning such weapons. Accordingly, Bangkok asserts its operations comply with international law and are constrained by principles of military necessity and proportionality.

Escalating Border Conflict and Diplomatic Tensions

This exchange of accusations unfolds against the backdrop of renewed fighting along the Cambodia-Thailand border, stemming from long-standing disputes over demarcation and contested sites. Efforts at peace talks and ceasefire negotiations continue, but mutual mistrust and conflicting narratives about recent military actions complicate diplomatic progress.