Cambodia has submitted an urgent appeal to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, condemning what it describes as the use of “disturbing sounds” by the Thai military as a form of psychological intimidation and harassment against Cambodian civilians living along the border, according to Cambodian media.
In a letter addressed to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, the Cambodian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) said the sounds were directed at villages opposite Thailand’s Sa Kaeo province.
It said it had received “credible reports from local authorities and affected civilians residing in Prey Chan and Chouk Chey villages, O Bei Chorn commune, O Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey province, indicating that units of the Royal Thai Armed Forces broadcast haunting sounds resembling wailing ghosts through large loudspeakers from 10:44pm until 12:04am, followed by continuous aircraft engine noises played from 3:22am to 3:53am, deliberately directed toward Cambodian villagers.”
According to the CHRC, these actions have severely disrupted the lives of border residents, causing anxiety, sleep disturbance, and distress — particularly among vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the elderly.
“These actions have no place in any civilized society and stand in direct contradiction to the principles of the United Nations Charter, which upholds peace, human rights, and mutual respect for sovereignty among nations,” the CHRC stated.
The commission urged the UN Human Rights Office to conduct an immediate investigation into the incidents, ensure accountability for human rights violations, and call for the cessation of all forms of psychological intimidation against Cambodian civilians.
Beaming the haunting sounds into Cambodia is reportedly part of an ongoing campaign led by a group of Thai nationalist activists, who say it is intended to pressure Cambodian villagers to withdraw from areas that Thailand claims fall under its sovereignty. The Thai military has distanced itself from the activity.
Meanwhile, the Khmer Times reported that Cambodia’s Minister of Information Neth Pheaktra has condemned the act, describing it as a serious form of “sound pollution” and a violation of basic human rights.
“This constitutes a serious violation of the right to rest and a grave infringement of human rights. Why do you act so cruelly?” Minister Pheaktra said.
It also reported that local residents and officials have urged Thai authorities to intervene and ensure such “immoral acts” do not occur again, stressing that such behaviour is unacceptable between neighbouring countries that share longstanding cultural and historical ties.
