Press Release
“Thailand’s border closure raises serious concerns for human rights”
Cambodia-Thai border, Thailand on 24th, 25th of June, 2025
Thailand's unilateral border closure raises serious concerns about human rights violations and violations of international humanitarian principles.
The closure decision, carried out without notice and without coordination with neighboring parties, has a serious impact on Khmer citizens and foreigners, as women, children, patients and migrant workers are now the most affected groups.
Thailand is a member of the United Nations (UN) and has signed many important human rights conventions, including:
• International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) – Signed in 1996
• Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) – signed in 2003
• Convention on the Rights of Children (CRC) - signed in 1992
• Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) - signed in 1985
But the current form of border closures has caused:
• Violation of the right of free travel of citizens, especially border workers and small businesses.
• Loss of jobs and stable livelihoods for border traders and business women
• Restrictions on access to health care, with the actual case of a foreigner and his wife being denied permission to cross the border for medical examination
• High risk of human trafficking and exploitation, especially against women and children
• Breaking family and social ties, along borders
• Violation of international law and national identity rights, without respecting agreements or cooperation with neighboring countries
We call on the international community, humanitarian organizations and local partners:
.. Closely monitoring the border situation and the impact on human rights
២. Request Thailand to comply with its international law obligations
.. Protect the rights of vulnerable people, especially women, children and migrant workers.
4. Encourage negotiation to settle peacefully and open doors for humanity
If Thailand continues to disobey this principle soon, it could cause human rights violations and negatively impact regional peace and stability.
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Thailand’s Border Closure Raises Serious Human Rights Concerns
Cambodia - Thailand Border Date: 25 June 2025
Recent unilateral border closures enforced by Thailand have sparked growing concern over serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian principles. The closure—implemented without prior coordination or notice—has had severe impacts on Cambodian nationals and foreign citizens, especially women, children, patients, and migrant workers living along the border.
Thailand, as a member of the United Nations (UN) and a signatory to major international human rights treaties, is obligated to uphold the rights and freedoms protected under international law, including:
• ICCPR (International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights)
• CERD (International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination)
• CRC (Convention on the Rights of the Child)
• CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women)
However, the border closure has resulted in:
• Restrictions on freedom of movement for civilians, including cross-border traders and families;
• Job losses and economic insecurity for migrant workers, especially women;
• Obstruction of medical access, with documented cases of patients being denied entry despite having urgent appointments;
• Increased risk of human trafficking and exploitation due to unofficial border crossings;
• Family separation and social tension in previously interconnected communities;
• Violations of bilateral and multilateral agreements, showing disregard for international law and neighboring states’ sovereignty.
Call to Action
We urge the international community, humanitarian organizations, and regional partners to:
1. Closely monitor Thailand’s border policies and their humanitarian impact;
2. Call for Thailand to comply with its international legal obligations;
3. Ensure the protection of vulnerable populations, including women, children, and migrant workers;
4. Facilitate constructive dialogue between Thailand and Cambodia to restore humanitarian access and respect for human rights.
Failure to address these violations risks setting a dangerous precedent for cross-border humanitarian principles and undermines peace, stability, and dignity across the region.
