Cambodia Reports 6-7 Million Submunitions Dropped as Thai Occupation Continues

PHNOM PENH — Oct. 9, 2026: Cambodia has reported that 6 to 7 million unexploded submunitions were dropped on its territory, and that Thailand continues to occupy Cambodian land while failing to implement key border agreements.

In a statement dated Oct. 8, 2026, the Ministry of Interior said that since the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement of Oct. 26, 2025, Thailand has not fully participated in implementing the GBC Joint Statement — particularly on accelerating border demarcation and enabling displaced Cambodians to return home.

Of approximately 649,000 Cambodians displaced by Thai military action, about 625,000 have returned, with the remainder in temporary shelters, safe camps and Waiting Village as of the morning of Oct. 8, 2026.

Citing CMAC records, the Ministry said 120,000 to 130,000 shells containing an estimated 6 to 7 million unexploded submunitions struck nearly 3,000 square kilometres across 335 of 349 affected villages.


The Ministry said Preah Vihear Temple was struck at 501 targets with damage in 562 places, describing the shelling as planned with intent to destroy the World Heritage site. Ta Muen Thom, Ta Muen Toch, Ta Krabey and Kh'na temples were also damaged, along with 1,558 houses, 26 schools, 14 hospitals or health centres, 74 government buildings, 19 pagodas, five bridges and 87 road sections.

Cambodia said the actions breach international humanitarian law, the Convention on Cluster Munitions, the Geneva Conventions' protections against forced displacement, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 1954 Hague Convention. The Ministry thanked the United States under President Donald J. Trump, along with China and other friendly nations, for urging de-escalation, and called on Thailand to fully implement the Kuala Lumpur and GBC joint statements.

The Ministry backed Prime Minister Hun Manet's appeal for national unity and his stance of resolving the border issue through international law and diplomacy, rejecting recognition of territorial seizure by force.

Source: Ministry of Interior of the Royal Government of Cambodia


Reported by The Khmer Daily Network