By Khmer Times
The Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CHRC) has strongly condemned what it describes as two unprovoked attacks by Thai soldiers on Cambodian civilians on November 12 — an incident raised during the 4th Special Session 2025 of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) in Malacca, Malaysia.
It urged an independent investigation into the attacks and called for the immediate and unconditional release of 18 Cambodian soldiers who have been detained by Thailand for more than 100 days following the July 28 ceasefire.
In a statement issued on Saturday, CHRC released the outcomes of the 4th Special Session of AICHR, chaired by Edmund Bon Tai Soon of Malaysia from November 10–14 in Malacca.
Sean Chenda, representing CHRC President Keo Remy as Cambodia’s representative to AICHR, led the Cambodian delegation alongside counterparts from ASEAN member states and the ASEAN Secretariat.
The meeting reviewed the implementation of AICHR’s programmes and priority activities, focusing on key human rights themes, including children’s rights, the rights of persons with disabilities, business and human rights, environmental and health rights, freedom of expression, economic and social rights, and human rights and peace. It also approved several documents aimed at strengthening AICHR’s mandate in line with ASEAN principles.
Delegates exchanged updates on human rights developments in their respective countries, including new laws, policy initiatives, and measures aimed at preventing violations and promoting protection.
During the session, Chenda briefed the meeting on the November 12 attacks in Prey Chan village, O’Beichoan commune, O’Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey province, where two assaults by Thai soldiers resulted in three serious injuries, one death, and the overnight evacuation of more than 300 families.
He conveyed CHRC’s strongest condemnation of what he called a barbaric act and a clear violation of international law—including human rights and humanitarian law—the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration of October 26.
Chenda urged the regional and international community to support an independent and impartial investigation to establish the truth and ensure justice and reparations for the victims.
On the issue of the 18 detained Cambodian soldiers, Chenda noted that as of November 14, they have been held for 108 days despite the ceasefire agreement.
Cambodia’s representative to AICHR called on Thailand to release the soldiers immediately and unconditionally in accordance with human rights and humanitarian law.
The statement reiterated that as a state party to the Convention on the Prohibition of Anti-Personnel Mines, Cambodia has never used and will never use new landmines. In addition, AICHR held online consultations with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Asian Dialogue on Forced Migration to strengthen cooperation and share priorities, ideas, challenges, and areas for collaboration.
The Ministry of National Defence also noted that it has been 110 days since the 18 soldiers were captured by the Thai military.
“Cambodia urgently calls on the Thai side to release them as soon as possible so they may safely reunite with their families, in accordance with international humanitarian law,” the ministry said, adding that the government is making efforts through all available channels to secure their safe return.
Source: https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501790778/chrc-condemns-thai-army-attacks-on-cambodian-civilians/. Archived at https://perma.cc/UJT7-LSWC
