Cambodia accused Thailand of using cluster munitions in recent border clashes, to which a Thai military spokesperson responded that Thailand is not a state party to the Convention on Cluster Munitions.
According to CCTV News, a spokesperson for the Thai military stated on the 25th that the Thai army uses such munitions in military operations based on tactical needs to strike military targets and enhance strike effectiveness. After the main warhead hits the target, this type of ordnance releases multiple submunitions that detonate in succession. It should be emphasized that these munitions are not “anti-personnel landmines” and do not pose long-term residual risks to civilians after use.
As for the Convention on Cluster Munitions, although the convention prohibits state parties from using, producing, or stockpiling cluster munitions, it has no binding force on Thailand, as Thailand is not a state party.
The Thai military reiterated that all Thai military operations follow the principle of proportionality, and cluster munitions are only used to enhance the effectiveness of attacks on military targets, not against non-military targets.