The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training has called on the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and UN Women, among others, to urge both the Royal Government of Thailand and Thai authorities to conduct an immediate investigation into allegations that seven Thai soldiers raped a female Cambodian migrant worker.
The ministry issued a November 18 statement condemning the alleged assault, which reportedly took place as the worker was returning to Cambodia with a group of other workers on November 15.
The ministry expressed its deepest sorrow and strongly condemned what it described as “inhumane acts” against the group of 13 Cambodian migrant workers. According to the ministry, the perpetrators used brutal violence — beating, kicking, striking with gun butts, extorting money — and committed the degrading crime of gang rape against a young Cambodian woman in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand, near the border opposite Kamrieng district of Battambang province.
“These inhumane acts constitute a serious violation of human rights, migrant workers’ rights and women’s rights, as enshrined in the instruments of the UN, the ILO, the IOM and ASEAN,” said the statement.
The ministry added that it has been and will continue coordinating with relevant ministries, institutions and authorities to take legal measures, seek justice and provide both physical and psychological care to the victim through the services of the Migrant Resource Center (MRC).
State institutions, NGOs and the public have widely condemned the reported assault against the 18-year-old worker.
The Ministry of Interior has filed a formal complaint with the Thai National Police, the Thai embassy in Cambodia and international organisations, urging Thai authorities to prosecute the perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law.
The labour ministry pledged to continue monitoring the progress of the case and other related incidents, to ensure the protection and promotion of the rights and dignity of Cambodian migrant workers in accordance with international legal standards.
The ministry advised Cambodian migrant workers currently living and working in Thailand to remain highly vigilant of their personal safety, especially in the face of heightened violence and/or discrimination. It urged workers to contact Cambodian authorities or their international partner organisations for assistance in returning home safely.
