Cambodian Worker Unions Condemn Thai Security Forces Over Alleged Border Encroachment

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct.11,2025) — A coalition of Cambodian labor unions on Friday issued a strong condemnation of Thai security forces, accusing them of violating Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The statement follows a mine clearance operation conducted by Thai forces on Oct. 10 in Prey Chan village, O Bei Chon commune, O Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey province. The unions said Thai personnel, equipped with batons, shields and heavy machinery, carried out the operation on Cambodian soil, applying Thai law in what they described as a blatant act of territorial invasion.

Sam Soeun, president of the National Labor Union of Cambodia, said the Thai military has repeatedly breached the ceasefire agreement between the two countries.

“On Oct. 10, the Thai army once again violated Cambodia’s sovereignty in a brutal and aggressive manner,” Soeun said. “Clearing mines on Cambodian territory is not only a violation of international law but also a grave human rights abuse.”

He added that the affected areas, including Chok Chey and Prey Chan villages, are long-established Cambodian communities.

Kim Chan Samnang, president of the Cambodian Workers’ Rights Union, echoed the condemnation, accusing Thai forces of using demining operations as a pretext for repeated incursions.

“The Thai side consistently uses heavy machinery to clear land, creating noise disturbances that affect local residents, including children,” Samnang said. “These actions are among the most barbaric we’ve witnessed.”

The unions said the operation violated multiple agreements, including the ceasefire, the spirit of the General Border Committee and Cambodia–Thailand Military Region Border Committee meetings, and Article 4, Point 2 of the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding. They also cited breaches of international humanitarian law and human rights principles.