AKP Phnom Penh, August 11, 2026 --

Over 360,000 civilians across 349 Cambodian towns and villages have been directly impacted by Thai military strikes involving cluster munitions, aerial bombardment, and conventional artillery, according to senior Cambodian demining official.

H.E. Heng Ratana, Director-General of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), reported that 91,411 families – totalling 364,984 individuals – have suffered direct consequences from the attacks on civilian areas.

He dismissed attempts by Thai authorities to deflect responsibility and alter the narrative, asserting that Thailand is attempting to conceal its actions and discredit findings by United Nations human rights investigators, which estimate the total number of displaced persons at over 650,000.

According to CMAC, survey teams have completed assessments across 335 affected villages, identifying over 3,800 square kilometres contaminated by unexploded ordnance (UXO) and explosive remnants of war. Official figures do not fully capture the widespread displacement, as tens of thousands of residents fled their homes out of fear, leaving behind vast tracts of land rendered unsafe by unexploded munitions.

Beyond the human toll, extensive physical destruction has been documented across affected regions. Ancient Khmer temples, residential homes, schools, hospitals, monasteries, and infrastructure have suffered severe damage from artillery shelling, cluster bombs, and suspected chemical agents.

Demining authorities and local leadership continue to demand international justice and support to clear contaminated zones and assist affected populations.

By K. Rithy Reak