AKP Phnom Penh, November 16, 2025 -- The Cambodian community in Auckland convened on Sunday to vehemently condemn the recent deadly shooting of unarmed Cambodian civilians near the Cambodian-Thai border, demanding justice and accountability from the Thai government.

More than 200 members of the diaspora gathered at Barry Curtis Park, uniting to voice their outrage over what organisers described as a "brutal and unjustified attack" by Thai military forces in Prey Chan village, which resulted in one death and three injuries.

Demonstrators held placards and observed solemn moments of silence for the victims. In a joint statement released during the event, the participants laid out five key demands:

1. Immediate action and accountability from the Thai government regarding the shooting of innocent Cambodian civilians.

2. Strict adherence by Thailand to the provisions of the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration.

3. An immediate end to cross-border attacks and violence, which the community stated constitutes a grave violation of international law.

4. The formal recognition and respectful remembrance of the victims who lost their lives in the incident.

5. The unconditional release of Cambodian soldiers reportedly detained by Thai forces.

The community also expressed gratitude to international leaders, specifically acknowledging U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for their intervention and public calls for restraint following the incident.

Organisers emphasised that the gathering underscored the unity and solidarity of Cambodians abroad in their shared pursuit of peace along the border and justice for the affected families.

By K. Rithy Reak