Three Cambodian activists, arrested recently in Thailand, will not be deported to their homeland. Deputy Police Chief Surachate Hakparn confirmed this in a Reuters interview on Wednesday. Instead, he disclosed, these individuals would be resettled in another, yet unspecified, country, emphasising that they will “definitely” not be sent back to Cambodia.
The development transpired while Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet was visiting Bangkok. In an attempt to strengthen bilateral relations, he held significant meetings with his Thai counterpart, Srettha Thavisin. Thavisin stated both nations’ resolve to maintain stability, particularly along the contentious border.
“I have assured Prime Minister Hun Manet that it is Thailand’s policy not to allow anyone to use Thailand as a platform to interfere in the internal affairs or conduct harmful activities against our neighbouring countries. We will strictly enforce our laws and policy in this regard.”
In response, Manet expressed gratitude, reaffirming that similarly, the Cambodian government will not meddle with Thai internal politics. The purpose, he stated, is to encourage mutual respect, ensure the mutual benefit of both states, and advance stability, trust, confidence, and the strengthening of their long-term relationship.
Thai authorities originally arrested the three activists—Lem Sokha, Phan Phana, and Kung Raiya, and their families for immigration violation charges. These activists initially sought refuge in Thailand to avoid alleged political persecution in Cambodia. Various human rights groups have criticised the Thai government for detaining the activists. Manushya Foundation Founder Emilie Palamy Pradichit termed the arrest of these individuals and their families, especially the younger ones, as unjust.
The Thai government, nevertheless, maintained the detainees were in breach of Thai immigration laws. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “Thailand respects freedom of expression and opinion, but that must comply with Thai law.”
The Cambodian government continues its traditional pattern of arresting critics and banning opposition members from political office since Manet took power as his father’s successor last year. This grim reality under his father, Hun Sen, who ruled Cambodia for approximately 40 years, led to severe crackdown on opposing activists and politicians.
Predictably, the records on personal freedom in Cambodia remains quite unfavorable. A 2023 report by Freedom House categorized the nation as “not free,” with Cambodia managing a meagre score of 24 out of 100 on their freedom index.