Thai opposition leaders add voices to denunciation of ‘ghost sound’ tactics on border

[Thailand’s Justice Party leader Kannavee Suebsang and People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut have both criticised the ongoing psychological harassment. Supplied]

The Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CHRC) has hailed growing condemnation from Thai political leaders over a psychological campaign which uses loud, haunting “ghost sounds” to intimidate Cambodian civilians along the border, calling it a grave human rights violation.

The CHRC cited Thailand’s Khaosod English, which reported that Justice Party leader Kannavee Suebsang and People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut have both criticised the ongoing psychological harassment, warning it breaches international law and damages Thailand’s global image.

“The use of loudspeakers to play ghost sounds is a violation of human rights and a trampling on human dignity,” said Kavannavee, urging a return to the ceasefire agreement and restraint from all sides.

Natthapong added that the broadcasts “could psychologically affect Cambodian civilians” and that authorities under martial law “must prevent actions that could escalate tensions”.

The CHRC believed their statements marked growing recognition in Thailand that such acts constitute violations under the Convention against Torture, and urged an immediate end to the intimidation and respect for the safety and wellbeing of civilians along the border.

-The Phnom Penh Post-