Thailand 'admits cluster bombs' used against Cambodia

The bombs were reportedly used during border clashes around Preah Vihear temple in February Continue reading the main story

Thailand has admitted using cluster bombs during four days of border fighting against Cambodia in February, campaigners say.

The Cluster Munition Coalition called the act "unconscionable and appalling".

The weapons were banned by an international convention three years ago, but neither Thailand nor Cambodia have signed the agreement.

Thailand had previously denied the allegation, as each of the countries accused the other of using the weapons.

Since then several humanitarian organisations have reported finding unexploded cluster bomblets in the border area around Preah Vihear temple.

And this evidence appears to have caused the shift in Bangkok's stance.

The Cluster Munition Coalition said Thailand had admitted firing the weapons, banned by more than 100 countries, after Cambodian heavy artillery had targeted civilian areas.

According to the campaigners, thousands of villagers are now at risk of death or serious injury because of unexploded bomblets near their homes.

6 April 2011
By Guy De Launey
BBC News, Phnom Penh