Press Conference (March 3, 2010) : Killing and torture by Thai soldiers

Phnom Penh, March 3^nd 2010 – One month after the death of Chem Chheat and Earng Oeun under the custody of Thai military, the Government of Thailand still has not taken any action. The Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC) is determined to provide evidence for the involvement of Thai soldiers in the killing, torture and physical abuse of 20 Cambodian civilians.

Over the last twenty months, 20 Cambodians have been shot, tortured or killed by Thai soldiers at the border between Cambodia and Thailand. No attempts have been made by Thai authorities to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators in order to bring justice to the victims. The Government of Thailand did not show willingness to protect the rights and safety of the people; they allow serious violations to happen and go unpunished.

Victims, families of the victims and witnesses claimed and still claim that the alleged crimes committed by the Thai military are true. It is time for the Thai Government to hear their complaints and promptly take action to redress the situation. We cannot allow such serious human rights violations to go unpunished. “Military tension between Thailand and Cambodia is no pretext to shoot and kill civilians. Illegal border crossing is no reason for killing Cambodians” .

Today, with the support of ADHOC, the victims and witnesses of the crimes committed by the Thai military will hold a press conference to come forward and tell their stories to the world. The evidence will be there for everyone to see. For the respect of justice and human rights, it is now crucial for the Thai authorities to listen and take action.

ADHOC and the victims of the Thai soldiers urge the Government of Thailand to take serious actions and immediately investigate every cases involving its soldiers and Cambodian civilians, punish the perpetrators and provide justice to the victims. Moreover, ADHOC appeals to the Government of Thailand to ensure that the killings and torture of Cambodians stop forthwith. ADHOC assures that the information gathered for these cases is substantial and provides a strong basis for immediate consideration by Thai authorities.

                                                                                                            Phnom Penh, March 3^nd 2010

For more information, please contact:

016 937 591 / 011 27 4959