Cambodia’s state-run human rights body is concerned about “serious human rights violations” arising from Thailand’s unilateral closure of all land border crossings which has left thousands of workers and civilians stranded, unable to cross for legitimate reasons.
Since the complete closure of the borders by the Thai military on June 24, prohibiting all entries and exits, with the exception of students and medical patients, Cambodian migrant workers have gradually returned home, but many were barred access.
Yesterday, a video clip of a foreign tourist being stopped by Thai authorities from entering their country from Cambodia via O’Smach International Checkpoint at Oddar Meanchey was widely shared on Facebook.
According to a local online media, two Cambodian women were detained by Thai authorities after staging a protest at the Kheng Lop International Border in Thailand opposite the Poipet checkpoint to allow them to return to Cambodia.
The Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CHRC) said on Thursday that the sudden and uncoordinated closures have “severely impacted human rights”.
“The unilateral border closures by Thailand have trapped individuals including workers, traders, travelers, and families — preventing them from crossing the border for legitimate reasons,” read the statement.
It said fundamental freedoms were violated, including the right to freedom of movement, adequate standard of living, work, access to information, health and education, as well as protection from trafficking in persons.
The border closures were imposed on the back of intensified tensions following a fatal military clash on May 28 in the contested “Mom Bei” area close to Preah Vihear province, which resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier.
Migrant worker Teat Channy returned last Sunday via the Phnom Dei International border checkpoint in Battambang province, citing security concerns after her husband was assaulted at night.
Channy’s husband, who worked at an iron factory in Thailand, was attacked by a group of youths after finishing his shift around 10 p.m.
“His head was injured after being hit by a glass bottle,” Channy said, adding that just before the assault, the group asked whether he was Khmer or Thai.
“I decided to come back because I’m afraid they will hurt us again,” she explained.
Channy previously worked in a seaweed farm in Thailand for three to four years, earning around 10,000 Baht per month, and is now looking for a factory job in her hometown in Banteay Meanchey province.
The NGO Center for Alliance of Labour and Human Rights (CENTRAL) posted that around 100 undocumented migrant workers, including children, have been arrested and deported by Thai immigration police through the Poipet International checkpoint at 6 p.m on Wednesday.
CENTRAL senior program officer Bun Chenda said he noticed that most of the migrant workers who returned to Cambodia are undocumented, and that they came back due to safety concerns as the border issue worsened.
“What we have observed is that the Thai authorities have tightened checks on migrant workers, both documented and undocumented. If any undocumented worker is found, they will arrest and deport them,” he said.
“Another reason for their return is the lack of reliable information, especially for undocumented migrant workers, through social media [which is spreading] fear and confusion,” Chenda added.
Senate President Hun Sen visited the troops stationed in Oddar Meanchey province on Thursday morning.
The former premier, who holds the rank of five-star general status, accepted an additional role as a “national logistical chief” for the armed forces, following a request from military commanders during the meeting at the border.
In this position, he will oversee efforts to ensure the supply of provisions for forces currently facing the enemy.
“Samdech Techo five-star general has made it clear that all troops should not hesitate to attack back enemies who invaded our territory,” Chea Thirith, spokesperson for the senate president, told the press.
On June 23, Prime Minister Hun Manet visited the armed forces stationed in Preah Vihear province, safeguarding Cambodia’s territorial integrity against Thailand along the border.
The Office of National Human Rights Commission of Thailand did not respond immediately.
