AKP Phnom Penh, October 18, 2025 --​ The Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CHRC) has reiterated its urgent appeal to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) concerning the use of disturbing sounds as a method of psychological persecution, intimidation, and harassment along the Cambodia-Thailand border by Thailand, and urged for an on-site observation mission as soon as possible.

In a letter to H.E. Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, dated Oct. 17, H.E. Keo Remy, President of CHRC, stated that as reported by Thai daily newspaper, Khaosod English (Oct. 17, 2025), a convoy of vehicles equipped with large sound system have gathered at Ban Nong Chan to broadcast from Oct. 17-19, 2025. These sound systems reportedly generated extreme noise levels far exceeding safe human exposure limits. Scientific literature indicates that exposure above 140 decibels can rupture eardrums, while levels approaching 200 decibels may cause fatal internal injury. Any action to project such intensities constitutes a severe and deliberate assault on human health and dignity.

“Such extreme noise poses a grave threat to residents of Chork Chey villages, including women, children, the elderly, the sick, and persons with disabilities. These hostile and provocative actions exemplify a ‘law-of-the-jungle’ approach, that flagrantly disregards established international legal norms. Beyond endangering individual safety, they undermine regional stability and erode the credibility and effectiveness of international human rights mechanisms designed to protect innocent and vulnerable populations,” he stressed.

H.E. Keo Remy noted that even Thai public figures including a Senator, law enforcement officials, a Human Rights Watch advisor, and political party leaders have acknowledged that the use of disturbing sounds for psychological intimidation constitutes a serious violation of human rights and international law, particularly under the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT).

“In light of the above, the CHRC respectfully urges the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to undertake timely and concrete measures, including an on-site observation mission to the Cambodia-Thailand border area at the earliest opportunity, where serious human rights violations have been reported,” he said.

The CHRC President also emphasised that a lack of timely and concrete action risks being interpreted as acquiescence to, or tacit disregard of, grave violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. Such inaction would risk setting a dangerous precedent of impunity, thereby weakening the credibility and effectiveness of the international human rights protection system.

“Cambodia has deliberately refrained from retaliatory measures, despite ongoing provocations, out of deep respect for international mechanisms and a firm commitment to the rule of law, mindful that any escalation would endanger civilians on both sides especially their fundamental right to life and security,” he added.

H.E. Keo Remy concluded his letter by reaffirming the CHRC’s commitment to cooperating with the OHCHR in addressing this serious matter and safeguarding the human rights of all innocent civilians along the Cambodia-Thailand border.

By C. Nika