Workers Flee Potential Violence in Thailand

By Heng Reaksmey, VOA Khmer Original report from Phnom Penh 22 October 2008

Khmer audio aired 22 October 2008 (1.07 MB) - Download (MP3)
Khmer audio aired 22 October 2008 (1.07 MB) - Listen (MP3)

Cambodian authorities and a human rights group are investigating allegations of potential violence by Thai groups against 200 migrant workers who fled to Cambodia Wednesday.

Representatives of the workers reported they had left their Thai encampments after receiving threats from Thai groups armed with swords and other weapons, officials said.

The threats allegedly took place in Chanthaburi province, bordering Cambodia’s Banteay Meanchey province, according to the rights group Adhoc, which took complaints from the workers.

The allegations come amid heightened tensions between Thais and Cambodians living along the border, where a three-month military standoff continues.

Meanwhile, military commanders were scheduled to meet in Siem Reap Thursday, while Prime Minister Hun Sen and his Thai counterpart, Somchai Wongsawat, in Beijing Friday.

Officials said Wednesday Thai and Cambodian troops had withdrawn from temples in the Ta Moan complex in Oddar Meanchey province.