November 13, 2025
PHNOM PENH – The Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CHRC) has lodged an urgent appeal with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), calling for an investigation into what it described as an “unprovoked attack” by the Royal Thai Armed Forces that killed and injured Cambodian civilians within Cambodian territory near the border with Thailand.
In the November 12 letter, CHRC president Keo Remy urged UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk to take immediate action over what the committee called a “grave and serious violation of human rights” and a breach of international humanitarian law.
According to the CHRC, credible reports from local authorities and affected communities in Prey Chan Village, O Bei Chorn Commune, O Chrov District, Banteay Meanchey province, indicate that Thai forces opened fire on unarmed Cambodian civilians without provocation inside Cambodian territory. Preliminary findings confirmed at least one civilian death and several injuries.
“The Royal Thai Armed Forces carried out an unprovoked attack on unarmed and innocent Cambodian civilians within Cambodian territory,” the CHRC said, condemning the act as a “serious breach of international law” and urging accountability for those responsible.
The incident occurred just weeks after the signing of a Joint Declaration between the prime ministers of Cambodia and Thailand in Kuala Lumpur on October 26, witnessed by US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the ASEAN chair.
The declaration reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to peace and civilian protection along the border.
The CHRC said the attack “gravely undermines the spirit and obligations” of the Joint Declaration and violates key international instruments, including the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
The committee also expressed concern over the ongoing detention of 18 Cambodian soldiers held in Thai military custody for 106 days despite Thailand’s prior commitment to release them as part of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord.
CHRC warned that the continued detention “constitutes a serious violation of international human rights and humanitarian law.”
In its appeal, the CHRC outlined several urgent requests to the UN, including:
- Urging Thai authorities to cease all hostile actions and ensure the safety of Cambodian civilians along the border;
- Engaging with the Thai government for an independent and transparent investigation;
- Providing immediate medical care, reparations and compensation to victims and families;
- Raising the matter before the UN Human Rights Council to ensure accountability and prevent recurrence; and
- Securing the unconditional release and repatriation of detained Cambodian soldiers.
“Cambodia remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding human dignity, sovereignty, and peace in accordance with international law,” Remy stated in the letter.
“Persistent acts of aggression and harassment against civilians cannot and will not be tolerated,” he continued.
The CHRC expressed confidence that the OHCHR would “take swift and concrete action to prevent further violations and uphold the universal principles of justice and human dignity”.