CAMBODIAN LABOR MINISTRY CONDEMNS THAI SOLDIERS’ ASSAULT AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE AGAINST MIGRANT WORKERS

CAMBODIAN LABOR MINISTRY CONDEMNS THAI SOLDIERS’ ASSAULT AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE AGAINST MIGRANT WORKERS

November 18, 2025 — The Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training has strongly condemned the brutal assault and sexual violence committed by Thai soldiers against a group of 13 Cambodian migrant workers returning home. The attacks, which occurred on 15 November 2025 in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand, included beatings, kicking, rifle-butt strikes, intimidation, extortion, and the gang rape of one female worker by seven soldiers in black uniforms.

The incident happened while the Cambodian workers attempted to cross back into Kamrieng District, Battambang Province, during a unilateral closure of the Cambodia-Thailand land border. The Ministry called the acts “inhumane” and said they constitute serious violations of human rights, women’s rights, and the rights of migrant workers, as protected under international instruments including the International Labor Organization (ILO), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), UN Women, and ASEAN frameworks.

The Ministry is coordinating with relevant authorities to pursue legal action and provide physical and psychological support to the victims through Migrant Resource Centres (MRCs).

In addition, the Ministry urged international organizations, including the ILO, IOM, OHCHR, and UN Women to closely monitor the case and press Thai authorities for a thorough, transparent investigation to ensure justice for the victims and protect all Cambodian migrant workers in Thailand from violence or discrimination.

The Ministry pledged to continue monitoring the situation and reminded Cambodian migrant workers in Thailand to exercise caution and seek assistance from Cambodian authorities or partner organizations when returning home.

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