Opinion: Thailand’s Unilateral Border Closure: A Grave Violation of Human Rights and Regional Trust
Opinion: Thailand’s Unilateral Border Closure: A Grave Violation of Human Rights and Regional Trust
Khmer Time | Thailand has once again shown its disregard for international norms and regional goodwill by unilaterally closing its borders with Cambodia, a move that not only undermines diplomatic cooperation but also violates fundamental human rights. While Thai authorities attempt to present a façade of peace and cooperation to the international community, the reality on the ground is one of suffering, confusion, and fear—especially among the most vulnerable populations on both sides of the border.
This unjustified action by the Thai side is more than a border management issue—it is a serious breach of national and international human rights obligations. It has caused disruptions to thousands of lives, threatening livelihoods, access to basic services, and even physical safety.
1. Violation of the Right to Freedom of Movement
Thailand’s unilateral decision to close the border disrupts one of the most basic rights protected by international conventions: the right to freedom of movement. Migrant workers, cross-border traders, and ordinary citizens are now stranded, unable to return home or pursue their daily activities. This restriction, imposed without bilateral coordination, leaves individuals vulnerable and helpless.
2. Violation of the Right to Work and Livelihood
The livelihoods of countless Cambodians and Thais depend on daily cross-border activities. Small traders, vendors, and laborers are now deprived of income. Many families are now on the brink of economic collapse due to this rash decision by Thai authorities. Migrant workers, who legally contribute to both economies, are forced into unemployment or illegal status, threatening their dignity and security.
3. Obstruction to Access to Health and Education
Even where some categories of crossing are technically allowed—such as for medical or educational reasons—the practical obstacles are enormous. Not all checkpoints are open, and the distance, documentation challenges, and ambiguity in enforcement cause serious delays and suffering. For border communities who rely on Cambodian health care or Thai schooling, this closure is devastating.
4. Fueling Human Trafficking and Exploitation
When official pathways are blocked, vulnerable people are forced to turn to illegal routes, exposing them to brokers, smugglers, and traffickers. These clandestine channels are breeding grounds for abuse, forced labor, and even modern slavery. By pushing desperate people into the shadows, Thailand is not solving a problem—it is creating a humanitarian crisis.
5. Tearing Apart Social and Humanitarian Ties
Border communities have long shared family ties, culture, and economic interdependence. The closure abruptly severs these connections, disrupting family reunions and community harmony. Such heavy-handed action by the Thai military—reportedly without clear instructions or consent from the civilian government—sows discord and fuels resentment among people who have long lived peacefully across the border.
6. Violation of International Legal Norms
International law obliges states to act in good faith, especially in regional relations. A unilateral closure, without bilateral consultation, violates ASEAN principles of peaceful cooperation and international standards on human rights and humanitarian protection. There was no prior notice, no clear justification, and no effort at joint resolution.
Cambodia: A Victim of Thai Aggression and Deception
This is not the first time Thailand has tried to distort the truth and escape responsibility. Thailand’s public declarations of keeping the border open are contradicted by what is happening on the ground. Reports confirm that Cambodians and even foreign nationals, including an elderly foreign tourist and his Thai wife, were denied re-entry into Thailand after visiting Cambodia—an inhumane act with no legal justification.
This clearly reveals the deceptive nature of Thai government communication and the lack of accountability among Thai authorities, particularly within the military.
Thailand’s actions are not just a breach of regional trust—they are a direct assault on the rights and dignity of thousands of innocent people. Cambodia has acted with restraint, patience, and commitment to international law. It is now clear that Cambodia is the victim of Thailand’s aggression, deception, and human rights abuses.
We urge the international community, ASEAN institutions, and human rights organizations to demand that Thailand reopen the border immediately, engage in honest diplomacy, and uphold its human rights obligations. Border management must not come at the cost of human dignity, freedom, and the lives of ordinary.
By Roth Santepheap, Geopolitical Analyst based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The views and opinions expressed are his own.
