Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – Cambodian Minister of State and First Vice President of the Mine Action and Victim Assistance Agency (CMAA), Ly Thu, recently issued a directive. In response to the serious situation of recent artillery threats from the Thai military in demining areas, the directive requires the immediate suspension of all demining operations and safety training activities in dangerous areas, prioritizing the safety of personnel.
The directive explicitly states that all demining units must prioritize personnel safety and strictly prohibit any form of ground work in high-risk areas threatened by military operations. Minister Ly Thu emphasized that if a planned demining area becomes a dangerous zone due to the evolving situation, relevant units must immediately report and adjust their work plans accordingly. Simultaneously, the directive requires all units to fulfill their social responsibility by providing necessary humanitarian support and living conditions to the families of demining personnel in conflict zones or shelters.
According to the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Agency (CMAA), since July 2025, the Thai military has twice crossed the border to conduct military operations and deployed various heavy weapons in residential areas. This action not only directly threatens the safety of local civilians but also severely disrupts Cambodia's humanitarian demining process. Preliminary statistics indicate that over 900 demining personnel and their families have been forced to evacuate their homes due to the unstable situation.
While suspending operations in the risk zone, the Authority emphasized the need to continue educating the public about unexploded ordnance (ERW) risks in safe areas. Given the use of heavy weapons such as artillery shells and cluster bombs by the Thai military, the Authority specifically reminded the public to strengthen education regarding newly discovered residual explosives, enhancing their awareness of identification and hazard avoidance; to closely cooperate with local authorities to set up clear danger warning signs in affected areas; and, under safe conditions, to collect evidence and preserve or harmlessly dispose of any remaining materials to eliminate potential hazards for the future return of residents to their homes.
