AKP Phnom Penh, February 03, 2026 -- Cambodia’s top mine action official has issued an urgent warning to civilians to avoid areas suspected of containing unexploded ordnance (UXO) following a cluster munition explosion that injured four people near the Thai border.

H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch, Senior Minister and First Vice-President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), visited the survivors on Tuesday at the Techo Santepheap National Hospital in Phnom Penh. The victims were wounded on Jan. 29 in Bos Thom village, Oddar Meanchey province, by what officials identified as cluster munitions left behind by Thai military forces during recent border armed conflict.

"This incident reflects the enduring humanitarian consequences of cluster bombs – a reality Cambodia has faced for decades long after active conflict has ended," H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch said.

The Senior Minister noted that while Cambodia continues to clear remnants from its long civil war, more recent explosive remnants of war (ERW) along the border pose a "grave burden" and remain a "hidden enemy" to women, children, and vulnerable farming communities.

During his visit, H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch delivered a message of support from Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet and emphasised the need for strict safety protocols. 

He urged residents to: Refrain from entering high-risk or unverified zones; Clear tall grass and vegetation cautiously before conducting any activity; Wait for formal clearance and emergency response from demining operators before accessing suspected land.

The Senior Minister also expressed gratitude to the medical team at Techo Santepheap National Hospital for their professional care of the victims.

By K. Rithy Reak