Thailand’s Disturbing Plan to Evict Cambodian Villagers: A Crime Against Humanity in the 21st Century

A razor wire barrier in Banteay Meanchey province’s Prey Chan village. Thai authorities have threatened Cambodian villagers with eviction. Supplied

-Opinion-

In the 21st century, when humanity has pledged to uphold the principles of peace, human rights and dignity, it is unthinkable that a neighbouring country would strip innocent people of their homes, land and way of life. Yet this is exactly what Thailand is attempting to do to the Cambodian people of Chork Chey and Prey Chan villages — communities that have lived here and safeguarded their ancestral lands for generations.

According to Thai planning, these villages — undeniably located on Cambodian territory — are now being targeted for forced eviction. This is not a border misunderstanding; it is a deliberate policy to erase Cambodian communities, confiscate property and impose unilateral control. Such actions are grave violations of human rights and crimes against humanity.

A Violation of Human Rights and International Law

Evicting people from their lawful homes is a direct attack on the fundamental rights to life, security and dignity. These rights are enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Geneva Conventions and countless UN resolutions that Thailand has endorsed. By threatening to displace Cambodian villagers, Thailand undermines international law and exposes its disregard for global principles of justice.

Moreover, Thailand’s actions contradict its claims of being a peace-loving nation. How can peace be claimed while pursuing aggression against defenceless civilians? How can Thailand respect ASEAN’s Charter — built on non-interference and peaceful dispute resolution — while choosing provocation over dialogue?

The Human Cost Behind Borders

For the villagers of Chork Chey and Prey Chan, this dispute is not about lines on a map — it is about survival. These families raise children, grow rice and preserve traditions. To uproot them is to destroy lives and identities. Every eviction order carries with it the cry of a child losing their home, the anguish of a farmer losing fields, the despair of an elder losing their community.

If Thailand proceeds, it will bear responsibility for inflicting suffering that history will not forgive.

Cambodia’s Stance: Peace, Justice, Sovereignty

Cambodia has consistently stood for peaceful solutions grounded in international law. The government has called for negotiation, mutual respect and recognition of historical boundaries. Yet Thailand responds with unilateral aggression, trampling upon Cambodia’s sovereignty.

Cambodia will not abandon its people. The sovereignty of Cambodia is not for negotiation, and the dignity of its citizens is not for sale.

Thailand should honour humanitarian and international law as a civilised country by resolving border disputes through legal and existing mechanisms, not by using force to change the border line. The world must condemn Thailand’s actions.

The World Must Not Stay Silent

The eviction of Cambodian villagers is not only a Cambodian issue — it is a global one. If left unchecked, it sets a dangerous precedent: that might makes right, and larger countries can erase smaller nations’ communities without consequence.

Cambodia calls upon the UN, ASEAN and all human rights defenders to speak out firmly. The eviction of Chork Chey and Prey Chan villagers must be stopped before it becomes another dark stain on humanity’s conscience.

History shows that silence in the face of injustice enables further crimes. Today, the choice is clear: to stand with justice, law and human dignity — or with aggression and inhumanity. The world must choose. And Cambodia’s people must be protected.

Thailand must be reminded: in the 21st century, peace cannot be built on the destruction of human lives.

Roth Santepheap is geopolitical analyst based in Phnom Penh. The views and opinions expressed are his own.

-The Phnom Penh Post-