UN Rapporteur Backs Efforts to Ease Cambodia-Thailand Tensions After Hun Sen Criticism

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Nov.26,2025) — The U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in Cambodia has voiced support for efforts to strengthen peace and rebuild trust between Cambodia and Thailand following months of border tensions, after Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen criticized his silence over the detention of Cambodian soldiers.

Vitit Muntarbhorn, the rapporteur, said in a statement released by the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights that confidence-building measures between the two countries “deserve our support.”

He added that civilians affected by border incidents must receive assistance in line with human rights standards.

Muntarbhorn welcomed the cease-fire reached in July, calling its implementation “essential” to reducing tensions and resolving disputes peacefully. He urged both sides to curb misinformation and noted that OHCHR and other agencies were available to assist.

He also endorsed a joint statement signed by Cambodia and Thailand in Kuala Lumpur in October, saying the commitments included respect for international humanitarian law and protections for civilians and prisoners of war.

Muntarbhorn reaffirmed the importance of promoting human rights, peace and sustainable development in Cambodia, and said he remained ready to provide support.

On Nov. 17, Hun Sen questioned why Muntarbhorn, a Thai national, had not spoken publicly about the continued detention of 18 Cambodian soldiers by Thai armed forces.
“Where has he gone? Why hasn’t he said a word?” Hun Sen asked.