Cambodian Senate President and Cambodian People’s Party leader Hun Sen has raised concerns with senior Malaysian officials about disturbing “ghost sounds” and other harassment by Thai forces in the villages of O’Beichoan and Ta Krabey. Hun Sen warned that the sonic disturbances could escalate tensions along the Cambodia-Thailand border.
Writing on his Facebook page following a meeting with Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Dato Seri Ahmad Zahid bin Hamidi, Hun Sen described the situation at O’Beichoan and Ta Krabey as including loud and disruptive ghostly noises from Thai sources aimed at Cambodian villagers. These incidents have reportedly continued over several nights. Hun Sen described the broader Cambodia-Thailand border situation as worrisome and a potential flashpoint for renewed conflict.
Hun Sen emphasized that Cambodia does not seek to criticize any nation or ally but aims to ensure that ceasefire agreements are respected and that a diplomatic resolution restores normal relations between Cambodia and Thailand.
Two days earlier, Malaysian military observer Samsul Rizal Bin Musa praised Thai border forces for maintaining a professional and disciplined adherence to the ceasefire, from ordinary soldiers to senior officers. Hun Sen noted that the role of the Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister is critical for guaranteeing the ceasefire and facilitating dialogue between Cambodia and Thailand in his capacity as ASEAN chair. He recalled that when Cambodia held the ASEAN rotating chair in 2022, it faced criticism for being unable to resolve conflicts in Myanmar and Laos.
Meanwhile, the Banteay Meanchey provincial authorities reported that from the nights of October 10 to October 12, Thai forces used loudspeakers to broadcast disruptive sounds throughout O’Beichoan and Ta Krabey. These included documentary-style audio, Thai music, traditional Khmer music, Buddhist chanting, radio static, and other noise intended to disturb residents.
Thai media outlet The Nation quoted senior officials from Thailand’s Office of the Attorney General on October 13, warning that transmitting ghostly or loud sounds across the Cambodia-Thailand border could expose Thailand to allegations of violating the Convention Against Torture.
Human Rights Watch’s Thailand representative, Sunai Phasuk, wrote on social media earlier this week that the use of these disruptive sounds, orchestrated by Thai nationalist Kan Jomphalang, to intimidate and psychologically disturb Cambodian villagers along the border constitutes a serious human rights violation.
In response, Cambodian official Anuthin Chanvirakun has called for a review to determine whether bilateral memoranda of understanding from 2000 and 2001 should be revised or revoked. Legal experts noted that such memoranda, which are not binding treaties, could be annulled under Article 56 of the 1969 Vienna Convention. Human Rights Watch also stressed that the Thai actions violate both international human rights law and Thai domestic law, potentially exposing Thailand to international criticism.
