Violence against Cambodian workers and citizens in Thailand has escalated amid border clashes in Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces. Labor rights groups have condemned the attacks as unacceptable and inhumane.
According to Thai media reports, one Cambodian worker was beaten after he answered yes upon being approached by a “group of Thai teenagers” and asked, “Are you Cambodian?”.
Leung Sophon, a representative of the Cambodian labor rights group CENTRAL based in Thailand, confirmed CamboJA News’s query that some Cambodian workers have been targeted by “Thai gangs”, who have gone as far as looking for them at their residences.
“Several workers recently contacted me, expressing deep concern after being assaulted by Thai youth gangs,” Leung said. “Thai extremists are still actively seeking out places where Cambodian workers live, posing serious threats to their safety.”
“The violence against innocent Cambodian people in Thailand is inhumane and a violation of human rights,” Sophon stressed.
He added that with the Cambodian Embassy withdrawing from Thailand, many now feel they have no authority to turn to for help. However, Thailand’s Ministry of Labor has announced that Cambodian citizens who face violence can report incidents directly to the ministry.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Hun Manet addressed the rising tension on his official Facebook page, calling on Cambodian citizens to remain calm and respectful despite the conflict.
“I appeal to all Cambodian citizens to maintain their morality and dignity, and to avoid discrimination or any actions that could affect the Royal Thai Embassy in Cambodia, Thai companies, and Thai citizens living in Cambodia,” he said.
He also urged Cambodian citizens in Thailand who are facing discrimination or threats and wish to return home to contact the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Bangkok or the Consulate-General in Sa Kaeo Province.
Labor and Vocational Training Ministry spokesperson Sun Mesa told CamboJA News that officials confirmed reports of Cambodian workers being attacked by Thai “extremists”. He stressed that the border dispute should not lead to discrimination beyond the conflict zone, noting that Thai citizens living and working in Cambodia remain safe.
“We urge Thai authorities to identify and hold the perpetrators accountable under the law, and ensure justice for the victims,” Mesa said. He also called on Cambodian citizens in Thailand to be extremely cautious and avoid going out unless necessary.
Sophon added that in response to the rising fear, Cambodian workers are beginning to flee Thailand. On Tuesday alone, thousands of workers crossed back into Cambodia through the Duong International Border Checkpoint.
As of July 19, about 50,000 workers have returned to Cambodia, with around 10,000 of them having registered for employment locally.
