Cambodia Condemns Sexual Violence by Thai Forces, Calls for Justice

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Nov. 18, 2025) — The Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CHRC) issued one of its strongest statements to date on Tuesday, condemning sexual violence and other abuses allegedly committed by Thai armed forces against Cambodian civilians.

The committee described the acts as “cruel, inhumane, and in blatant violation of international human rights and humanitarian law,” citing a pattern of discrimination, intimidation and violence against Cambodian migrant workers in Thailand.

According to the CHRC, Thai forces have carried out unprovoked attacks and bombings on Cambodian territory, erected barbed wire to seize homes and farmland, and used disturbing sounds as psychological warfare against vulnerable groups including women, children, persons with disabilities and the sick. The committee also noted that 18 Cambodian soldiers remain in Thai custody despite the Joint Declaration signed Oct. 26, with 112 days having passed since their capture.

H.E. Keo Remy, senior minister and chairman of the committee

The statement highlighted a recent incident on Nov. 15, when an 18-year-old Cambodian migrant worker was gang-raped by seven Thai soldiers. “Sexual violence is a grave crime and a serious violation of human rights that must be unequivocally punished,” the committee said, calling the assault abhorrent and demanding immediate justice.

Dr. Thourn Sinan – Human Rights & International Advocacy Commentary, echoed the urgency. “The brutality of this act shocks the conscience of humanity,” he said. “Justice must be delivered swiftly, not only for the victim but to uphold the rule of law. If Thailand fails to act, it risks being seen as a state that shields perpetrators instead of protecting human rights.”

The CHRC urged Thai authorities to prosecute those responsible and provide reparations to victims, while appealing to the international community to hold Thailand accountable. The committee warned that failure to act would expose Thailand as undermining the rule of law and shielding perpetrators from accountability.