On September 11, 2026, at the Techo Peace Museum in Siem Reap Province, the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) organized a landmark workshop titled "Impacts of Cluster Munitions from 2025's Thai Aggression War and the Path Toward Ensuring Safety in Affected Areas." The event brought together representatives from the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), national and international institutions, development partners, and mine action operators—including the Cambodian Red Cross, NPMEC, APOPO, NPA, JMAS, UNDP, ICRC, IMCCD, Golden West, JICS, ICBL, CSHD, MAG, The HALO Trust, GUSP, UNOPS, and the United Nations—alongside provincial governors and chairs of the Provincial Mine Action Committees for provinces bordering Thailand.

The primary objective of the workshop was to brief national and international stakeholders on the real-world operational situation and humanitarian consequences resulting from Thai military attacks on Cambodian territory during the 2025 conflicts, with a specific focus on the deployment of heavy weaponry and cluster munitions. Technical research and field surveys in affected zones confirmed contamination from M42, M46, and M85 submunitions. These unexploded cluster bomblets pose severe, long-term risks to civilian lives and land use. Having already inflicted widespread damage on infrastructure, schools, pagodas, health centers, and civilian properties, the remaining explosive remnants of war continue to threaten the lives of farmers, civilians, and especially children in the affected areas.

Key discussions focused on technical evidence sharing, risk assessments, survey and mapping of contaminated polygons, Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE), victim assistance, and methods to accelerate clearance operations. The workshop served as a strategic platform to strengthen cooperation and mobilize international resources, financial aid, and technical support to address the lingering impacts of the invasion and restore safety for local communities.

The consensus of the workshop highlighted that a cessation of hostilities does not eliminate the danger of explosive remnants of war (ERW), as unexploded cluster munitions continue to threaten human life and socioeconomic development. Coordinated action among CMAC, national ministries, development partners, and international demining operators remains essential to accelerating clearance efforts and declaring affected areas safe for community use.

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