CHRC files 60 petitions over Thai border violations

Thai forces have erected razor-wire barricades in disputed territories in Banteay Meanchey province. KT/Khem Sovannara

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Synopsis: The state human rights body has appealed to ASEAN and UN mechanisms, reporting military incursions and civilian displacement along the frontier.

The Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CHRC) has submitted 60 protest petitions to ASEAN-related stakeholders and international human rights mechanisms over the border issue to support the government in safeguarding territorial integrity and protecting citizens.

Speaking at a seminar on the national report on the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) in Kampong Chhnang province, CHRC President Keo Remy said the committee has played an active role alongside the government in addressing the Cambodia-Thailand frictions through regional and international channels.

The CHRC filed the complaints with regional and international bodies, accusing Thai armed forces of ongoing frontier encroachments and human rights violations.

The submissions allege that Thai troops have conducted unauthorised land clearing, installed razor wire and barricades and built permanent structures in disputed territories.

These appeals have been directed to major rights organisations to demand accountability and protection for displaced civilians.

Under the direction of Prime Minister Hun Manet, Remy said, the CHRC led an inter-agency delegation to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva in March 2026 to present Cambodia’s position and raise concerns over violations committed against its citizens.

According to Remy, the committee has conducted 10 visits to soldiers and residents uprooted by the conflict while urging the public to remain united and maintain confidence in the government’s handling of the situation.

One of those filings was submitted in January, when the CHRC lodged an urgent appeal with the United Nations alleging grave violations against hundreds of thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) following military actions by Thailand.

According to the CHRC, affected Cambodians remain unable to return to their communities due to the unlawful invasion and occupation of border areas. The committee alleged that Thai forces have destroyed civilian homes and installed shipping containers and barbed wire to block access.

Addressing provincial officials, Remy called on civil servants to serve the public with integrity, transparency and without discrimination, ensuring equal access to public services and respecting human rights laws in line with Cambodia’s legal framework and social context.

“Unity is strength,” Remy said, adding that national solidarity enables the country to overcome challenges and that peace provides the foundation for the protection of human rights.

He thanked the Kampong Chhnang provincial administration for supporting the dissemination of the ICCPR national report, saying the cooperation demonstrates the country’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations under international mechanisms while helping strengthen Cambodia’s standing at regional and international levels.

-Khmer Times-