Army Admits Using White Phosphorus
The Thai army has admitted that during the five-day border conflict in July, it used white phosphorus (WP) shells in its attacks on Cambodia, but said it is not a chemical weapon and was not used against civilians. Therefore, it is not in violation of any international laws.
According to the Thai Enquirer, Thai army spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree, said WP is used for smoke, illumination and for explosive purposes, and that it is not a chemical weapon, according to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).
On July 28, 2025, Maly Socheata, Spokesperson for Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence, claimed Thai forces had used chemical weapons in several battle zones along the Cambodian border. This is an accusation that Thailand has denied. Socheata also claimed that on July 27, Thai fighter jets dropped shells containing poisonous gas over the An Ses area. In Phnom Khmouch, she said Thai forces employed suicide drones, cluster munitions and chemical weapons.