Cluster Bomb / Submunition event in Sra’em area, Cambodia on Sat 25th October 2025

The Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) has concluded that the recent accident in Preah Vihear province was caused by the explosion of an M-85 cluster sub-munition, dispensed from a 155mm M396 projectile — a remnant of the Cambodia-Thailand armed conflict of July 24–28, 2025.

The explosion occurred in Bongkol 8 village, Sra’em commune, Choam Ksant district, Preah Vihear province at 5:20 PM on Oct. 25, 2025, resulting in the death of a 10-year-old boy named Suon Sovann, and severe injury to his father, Sien Son, 43 years old.

According to CMAC’s investigation report, dated Oct. 30, 2025, with the results of fragments analysis at the scene, forensic evidence, the wound marks and field inspections of the affected location where the boy picked up the explosive device, and detailed testimony from Mrs. Sin Chantheang, the deceased boy’s mother, regarding the explosive device, the CMAC investigation team concluded that the explosive causing the death and injury was “M-85 cluster sub-munition that dispended from 155mm M396 projectile”.

“This M-85 cluster sub-munition as Explosive Remnant of War was fired by Thai armed forces into Cambodia’s territory during the war of 24-28 July 2025,” it added.

It is important to note that CMAC deployed technical teams on Aug. 28, 2025, to survey those areas and confirmed them as cluster munitions contaminated areas. This area has recorded field number: “BS18134_B1.2+”.

CMAC took the opportunity to express its deepest condolences to the victim’s family, and urged all citizens to exercise extreme caution, especially in rice fields, farmland, residential areas and forest areas affected by the war from 24-28 July.

CMAC also reminded the public not to touch, move, play with, or attempt to dismantle them when encountering landmines or unexploded ordnance (UXO), as they can explode at any time, causing death, injury, or disability.

The public is also advised to report any such findings to the nearest local authorities or CMAC experts for clearance. AKP