PHNOM PENH—As Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra embarks on an official visit to Cambodia, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged both countries’ leaders to tackle cross-border rights abuses.

In a statement on April 23, HRW Asia director Elaine Pearson urged Paetongtarn to raise outstanding human rights concerns with Cambodian leaders.

“Thailand shouldn’t sideline human rights as it seeks to expand its partnership with Cambodia,” Pearson.  said.

“Prime Minister Paetongtarn should press her Cambodian counterparts to end transnational abuses that discredit both countries globally and to put their relationship on a rights-respecting footing instead.”

Prime Minister Paetongtarn and her spouse arrive in Cambodia for the first official visit on the morning of April 23, as both countries are to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations. She is set to meet Prime Minister Hun Manet, Senate President Hun Sen and King Norodom Sihamoni.

HRW said both governments engaged in transnational repression—efforts to silence dissent by committing human rights abuses against their nationals overseas. This conduct occurs through reciprocal arrangements targeting dissidents, known as a “swap mart.”

“Both governments have facilitated assaults, abductions, enforced disappearances, and the forced return of people to their home countries where their lives or freedom are at risk,” HRW said.

Human Rights Watch pointed out the killing of Lim Kimya, a dual French-Cambodian national and former member of the Cambodian parliament from the now-dissolved opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), in Bangkok on January 7.

Kimya, 74, was a CNRP MP from 2013 to 2018. His political career was interrupted in 2017 when the Cambodian court dissolved the party, leading to a ban on political activities for many of its members. So far, there has been no progress in arresting suspects responsible for the assassination.

The Bangkok Criminal Court had issued arrest warrants for two Cambodian nationals, Ly Ratanakraksmey and Pich Kimsrin, connected to high-ranking officials and still at large.

HRW said Thai authorities have continued to use immigration charges to justify the unlawful deportation of Cambodian dissidents and activists without any due process guarantees, including those recognized as refugees by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Significant instances include the 2021 forcible return of two Cambodian refugees linked to the CNRP, exposing them to politically driven charges and persecution in Cambodia, as well as the 2024 deportation of six Cambodian nationals viewed as supporters of the opposition party. Additionally, Cambodia did not conduct a thorough investigation into the June 2020 abduction of notable pro-democracy activist Wanchalearm Satsaksit.

Bangkok and Phnom Penh need to end transnational persecution of critics and political opposition figures immediately, Pearson said. “Prime Minister Paetongtarn should use her visit to Phnom Penh to begin a new chapter of partnership that is based on respect for human rights.”

Focusing on enhancing ties

However, it remains unclear whether human rights concerns will be on the agenda for talks between the leaders.

Hun Manet, in a joint press conference on April 23 with his Thai counterpart, thanked the Thai side for preventing any groups from using Thai territory to interfere with Cambodia and pose risks to the country.

In return, he pledged to continue taking measures to prevent any groups from using Cambodian territory to cause trouble in Thailand.

Cambodia and Thailand established diplomatic relations in 1950, and ties have continued to develop, with both countries agreeing to elevate the relationship to a strategic partnership in 2024.

The Thai PM’s visit primarily intends to strengthen relations and deepen mutual cooperation and friendship. Leaders will discuss topics from trade to diplomatic and cultural cooperation.

One of the key highlights during the visit will be the Thai government's decision to return 20 pieces of looted artifacts, signifying a symbolic gesture from the Thai side in enhancing friendship as a good neighbor and people-to-people connection. A formal handover is set for July, and the artifacts are expected to be repatriated to Cambodia by August.

Important issues such as cross-border haze pollution and transnational crime along the border are expected to be on their agenda.

Meanwhile, key agreements related to security, cross-border matters, the economy, the environment, development, and people-to-people relations will be signed during Paetongtarn’s visit.