Cambodian Rights Panel Renews Appeal Over Border Noise Allegations

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct.18, 2025) — The Cambodian Human Rights Committee on Saturday renewed its appeal to the international community, alleging Thai authorities are using extreme noise as a form of psychological harassment along the Cambodia-Thailand border.

In statements issued Oct. 11 and reiterated Oct. 18, the committee described the alleged actions as a “severe and deliberate assault on human health and dignity.”

According to a report by Thai newspaper Khaosod English, published Oct. 17, a convoy of vehicles equipped with large sound systems gathered in Ban Nong Chan between Oct. 17 and 19. The systems reportedly emitted noise levels far above safe human exposure limits.

Scientific studies show sounds above 140 decibels can rupture eardrums, while levels approaching 200 decibels may cause fatal internal injuries. The committee said such noise poses a direct threat to residents of nearby Chouk Chey village, including children, the elderly, people with disabilities and the sick.

“These hostile and provocative actions exemplify a ‘law-of-the-jungle’ approach, flagrantly disregarding established international legal norms,” the committee said. “Beyond endangering individual safety, they undermine regional stability and erode the credibility of international human rights mechanisms.”

The panel noted that several Thai public figures — including a senator, law enforcement officials, a Human Rights Watch adviser and political party leaders — have criticized the use of sound as psychological intimidation.

The committee said the actions may violate the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

It called on the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights to take “timely and concrete measures,” including sending observers to the affected border areas.
Failure to act, the committee warned, could be seen as tacit approval or indifference to serious violations of international law.

“Cambodia has refrained from retaliatory measures, despite ongoing provocations, out of deep respect for international mechanisms and a commitment to the rule of law,” the statement said. “We remain mindful that any escalation would endanger civilians on both sides, especially their fundamental right to life and security.”

The committee said it remains ready to cooperate with the United Nations to protect civilians in the border region.