CHRC Appeals to UN Human Rights Chief Over Psychological Harassment by Thai Forces at Border

CHRC Appeals to UN Human Rights Chief Over Psychological Harassment by Thai Forces at Border

Phnom Penh, 11 October 2025 — The Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CHRC) has urgently appealed to His Excellency Mr. Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, calling for an immediate investigation into what it described as “a grave human rights violation” involving the deliberate use of disturbing sounds by the Royal Thai Armed Forces to intimidate Cambodian civilians living along the border.

In its official letter, the CHRC reported receiving credible accounts from local authorities and affected villagers in Prey Chan and Chouk Chey Villages, O Bei Chorn Commune, O Chrov District, Banteay Meanchey Province, indicating that on 10 October 2025, Thai military units allegedly broadcast eerie, wailing sounds resembling ghosts through loudspeakers from 10:44 PM to 12:04 AM, followed by loud aircraft engine noises between 3:22 AM and 3:53 AM.

The letter emphasized that these actions appeared to be deliberately directed toward Cambodian communities with the intention to disturb, frighten, and psychologically harass residents. The disturbing noises, lasting for extended periods, reportedly caused sleep deprivation, anxiety, and physical distress among villagers, including women, children, the elderly, the sick, and persons with disabilities.

“The use of psychological intimidation tactics by armed forces is a grave violation of human rights and stands in direct contradiction to the principles of the United Nations Charter,” the CHRC stated, warning that such provocative acts could escalate tensions between the two neighboring countries.

The CHRC further asserted that these actions breach the spirit of the 28 July 2025 Ceasefire Agreement between Cambodia and Thailand, as well as the 13-Point Agreed Minutes of the Extraordinary General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting held on 7 August 2025. The committee also cited multiple international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Convention Against Torture.

In its appeal, the CHRC urged the UN High Commissioner to:

1. Investigate the reported use of disturbing sounds by the Royal Thai Armed Forces and ensure accountability for any violations of international human rights law.
2. Demand the immediate cessation of psychological intimidation tactics against Cambodian civilians.
3. Ensure medical and psychological assistance for affected residents.
4. Encourage renewed dialogue between Cambodia and Thailand to prevent future incidents and uphold existing ceasefire commitments.
5. The CHRC also invited the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to conduct an on-site observation mission to the affected border areas, offering to fully cover all related expenses to facilitate the mission.

“The CHRC underscores that any act of intimidation, harassment, or cruel treatment of civilians is unacceptable under all circumstances,” the statement concluded.
“Cambodia remains steadfast in its commitment to human dignity, sovereignty, and peace, but persistent acts of aggression against its people cannot and will not be tolerated.”