On August 20, Preah Sihanouk Provincial Television reported that Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) Director General Heng Ratana had responded to Thai claims about leftover bombs and the border dispute. He accused Thailand of misrepresenting the issue, comparing it to making large things appear small and small things large.
Heng Ratana said an MK-84 bomb dropped from an F-16, weighing nearly one metric tonne, was in Thma Doun village, Kouk Mon commune. He said five bombs remained buried. He rejected a Thai account that the bombs dated to the 1970–1973 war, citing a 1996 production date for the MK-84 and 2023 for the MK-82.
He said Thailand portrayed itself as the victim and accused Cambodia of damaging its reputation. He said the bomb site in Thma Doun village, Kouk Mon commune, could be inspected when CMAC specialists cleared the ordnance.
Heng Ratana also said 155 mm shells, cluster munitions and other bombs had threatened the Preah Vihear Temple area. He disputed Thai allegations that Cambodia placed PMN-2 mines on Thai soil and questioned the accusation given the disputed land at issue.
He argued that investigators could use modern technology, including AI, to trace the MK-82, MK-84 and other munitions through manufacture, sale, transport and use.
Compiled by Preah Sihanouk Provincial Television
