September 19, 2025
PHNOM PENH – The Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CHRC) has condemned the use of violence by Thai security forces against Cambodian civilians, declaring it a “serious violation of human rights”. The committee has called on the international community to intervene and to press Thailand to respect regional and international law.
In a September 18 statement, the CHRC expressed deep concerns and strongly condemned the actions of Thai paratroopers and border forces who fired tear gas and rubber bullets at Cambodians in Banteay Meanchey province’s Prey Chan village on September 17. At least 30 Cambodians, including monks, were injured in the clash, some of them seriously.
The CHRC stressed that the Thai conduct is a grave violation of the 2000 memorandum of understanding, the July 28 ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand, the 13-point agreement reached at the August 7 Extraordinary Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting and the September 10 Special Meeting of the General Border Affairs Committee (GBC), among others.
“The actions of the Thai forces have seriously affected the fundamental rights and freedoms of the Cambodian people, which are guaranteed under the UN Charter, the ASEAN Charter, international humanitarian law and in particular international human rights law, to which Thailand is a state party,” it stated.
According to the statement, Cambodia reaffirmed its firm commitment to resolving all disputes through peaceful means and diplomatic channels. As a member of the UN, Cambodia continues to believe that dialogue, mutual respect and adherence to international law are the most effective means to maintain stability, security and development.
The CHRC demanded that the Thai government and military immediately cease all actions which violate Cambodia’s sovereignty and the rights and freedoms of Cambodian people. It also urged Thailand to comply with its obligations under international and regional law.
It called for the issue to be addressed peacefully, through diplomatic mechanisms and relevant regional and international legal instruments, in line with the spirit of the ASEAN Charter and the UN Charter.
In addition, it appealed to the international community to intervene and pressure Thailand to comply with regional and international law. It also called for the immediate and unconditional release of 18 Cambodian soldiers who were detained by Thai forces.