Cambodia Strongly Condemns Brutal Assault and Sexual Violence by Thai Soldiers Against Returning Cambodian Migrant Workers
Cambodia Strongly Condemns Brutal Assault and Sexual Violence by Thai Soldiers Against Returning Cambodian Migrant Workers
Phnom Penh, 18 November 2025 — The Royal Government of Cambodia, through the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT), has issued a powerful and urgent condemnation of the inhumane brutality and sexual violence committed by Thai soldiers in black uniform against 13 Cambodian migrant workers returning home.
According to the Ministry, the Cambodian workers were violently attacked on 15 November 2025 in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand, adjacent to Kamrieng District of Battambang Province. The incident took place while the workers were attempting to return to Cambodia at a time when Thailand had unilaterally closed the Cambodia–Thailand land border crossing.
The Ministry confirmed that the victims endured severe physical violence, including beating, kicking, striking with rifle butts, intimidation, extortion, and—most shockingly—a case of multiple-perpetrator rape committed by seven Thai soldiers against a Cambodian female migrant worker.
The statement emphasizes that these acts constitute grave violations of human rights, migrant workers’ rights, and women’s rights, breaching international norms and instruments upheld by the United Nations (UN), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The MLVT has been coordinating closely with relevant ministries and competent authorities to pursue legal action and ensure justice for the victims. Support services through the Migrant Resource Centres have been mobilized to provide urgent psychological and physical assistance.
In its strongest terms to date, the Ministry calls upon the international community—especially the ILO, IOM, OHCHR, UN Women, and other global organisations—to:
– Closely monitor the situation
– Urge the Royal Thai Government to cooperate with Cambodia
– Support an immediate, transparent, and independent investigation
– Ensure full justice for the Cambodian migrant workers who suffered from these crimes
– Safeguard the rights and safety of all Cambodian migrants currently living and working in Thailand
The Ministry reiterated that it will continue monitoring developments and undertake all necessary legal measures to protect the dignity and human rights of Cambodian migrant workers in accordance with international standards.
The Ministry also issued a firm reminder to Cambodian workers residing in Thailand to exercise heightened caution in the face of potential violence or discrimination and to immediately contact Cambodian authorities or partner organizations if they need assistance when returning home.
This latest condemnation underscores Cambodia’s unwavering commitment to protect its citizens abroad and to ensure full accountability for the violations committed.
