Approximately 300,000 out of a total of 540,000 displaced Cambodians across seven provinces have received education on the dangers posed by explosive ordnance. - Photo: CMAA
PHNOM PENH: About 300,000 of the 540,000 Cambodians displaced by the border clashes with Thailand have received education on the dangers posed by explosive ordnance.
Operators form the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) are currently working to clear explosive remnants of war (ERWs) to ensure the safety of displaced populations.
The CMAA reported on Thursday (Jan 15) that approximately 300,000 displaced people in displacement centres across seven provinces have received ERW awareness training. The provinces include Pursat, Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Siem Reap, Koh Kong, Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey.
Alongside awareness-raising campaigns, the CMAA has been collecting and disposing of several types of ERW.
It is continuing to conduct surveys and clearance operations to ensure the safety of displaced people before they return to their homes.
Numerous explosive remnants of war (ERWs) have been cleared by CMAA operators, but more continue to be discovered. - Photo: CMAA
Following Thailand’s second incursion into Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity from Dec 7 to Dec 27, 2025, Prime Minister Hun Manet set out urgent priorities to ensure the safety, well-being and social harmony of displaced citizens.
They include strong attention to education and awareness on the dangers of explosive ordnance before displaced people return to their residences.
The CMAA has issued guidelines for relevant stakeholders on urgent measures for education and awareness-raising regarding explosive ordnance risks.
Senior Minister Ly Thuch, CMAA first vice-president, expressed deep gratitude and appreciation to relevant ministries and institutions, mine clearance operators, the Cambodian Red Cross, armed forces, development partners, local authorities at all levels, youth volunteers and other stakeholders involved in mine action activities.
The CMAA stated it will continue to coordinate with relevant stakeholders by utilising available resources to carry out education and awareness activities on explosive ordnance and to target clearance operations in war-affected areas.
These efforts contribute to supporting infrastructure rehabilitation such as pagodas, temples, schools, hospitals, health centres, administrative posts, markets, bridges and other facilities, as well as rebuilding housing for affected populations.
It will also continue to cooperate with donor countries, development partners, the private sector and relevant stakeholders to seek additional resources to support newly identified explosive ordnance clearance activities in Cambodia. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
