The president of the Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CHRC) has formally lodged an appeal with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), urging an immediate investigation into what it described as “psychological intimidation and harassment” by the Royal Thai Armed Forces along the Cambodia–Thailand border.
According to Keo Remy’s letter, sent to Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on October 11, the Thai military broadcast disturbing “ghost-like” sounds through loudspeakers from late at night until early morning in Prey Chan and Chouk Chey villages, in Banteay Meanchey province.
The sounds reportedly included wailing noises and aircraft engines, deliberately aimed at Cambodian communities near the frontier.
“These sounds, described as intense, high-pitched noises lasting for prolonged periods, have disrupted sleep, provoked anxiety and caused physical discomfort among residents, including women, children, the elderly, the sick and persons with disabilities,” said Remy.
The committee said such acts violate multiple international human rights conventions, including the Convention Against Torture, and breach the Ceasefire Agreement of July 28 and the 13-Point Agreed Minutes from the Extraordinary General Border Committee meeting between Cambodia and Thailand held in August.
The CHRC’s president called the actions “hostile and provocative,” warning they could escalate tensions between the two neighbouring kingdoms.
He requested that the OHCHR send an on-site observation mission to the affected areas to verify the situation firsthand, pledging full cooperation and logistical support from the Cambodian side.
In a related development reported by Khaosod English on October 12, Thai Senator Angkhana Neelapaijit acknowledged the issue, urging her government to investigate the alleged cross-border “blurring of ghost sounds” by Thai social media influencers.
She cautioned that “any action that instils fear or affects the mental well-being of civilians, even those in a conflict, may constitute psychological torture under the CAT Convention”.
The CHRC emphasised Cambodia’s continued commitment to peace and human rights, but warned that “persistent acts of aggression and harassment against civilians cannot and will not be tolerated”.
The Committee reiterated that all civilians — especially vulnerable groups — deserve full protection under international law and called for an immediate halt to all psychological operations targeting Cambodian border communities.
