Phnom Penh – The Cambodian Human Rights Committee has issued a strong statement condemning the recent actions of Thai paramilitary and border patrol forces that resulted in injuries to Cambodian civilians.

In a statement released today, the committee expressed profound concern over the incident on September 17, 2025, at Prey Chan village in Ou Beichan commune, Ou Chroy district, Banteay Meanchey province. It reported that Thai forces deployed barbed wire, launched tear gas, and used slingshots against Cambodian civilians, injuring several, including Buddhist monks. 

The committee described these acts as a grave violation of multiple agreements, including the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding, the Cambodia-Thailand Ceasefire Agreement of July 28, 2025, the 13-point Agreed Minutes of the August 7, 2025, General Border Committee (GBC) meeting, and the September 10, 2025, meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Affairs Committee.

Furthermore, the committee emphasized that these unlawful actions severely infringe upon the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Cambodian citizens, rights protected under the UN Charter, ASEAN Charter, international humanitarian law, and international human rights law, to which Thailand is a state party.

The Cambodian Human Rights Committee reiterated Cambodia’s unwavering commitment to resolving border disputes peacefully through diplomatic channels and adherence to international law. It underscored that dialogue, mutual respect, and compliance with international agreements are the most effective ways to safeguard stability and regional security.

The committee called on the Thai government and armed forces to immediately cease activities that violate Cambodia’s sovereignty and the rights of its people. It urged Thailand to abide by its international obligations and to resolve the dispute through diplomatic and regional mechanisms, in accordance with the principles outlined in the ASEAN Charter and the United Nations Charter.

Additionally, the committee appealed to the international community to intervene by urging Thailand to respect regional and international laws. It also called for the immediate and unconditional release of 18 Cambodian soldiers detained by Thai authorities.

The Cambodian Human Rights Committee reaffirmed Cambodia’s determination to uphold human rights, sovereignty, and international law amid ongoing border tensions, advocating for a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to all disputes.