CityNews – The Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC) reported that Phat Somesa, (32) from Banteay Meanchey in Cambodia was rescued by Cambodian Embassy Officials and Thai NGOs from the casino in the afternoon of 17th December. She has now been returned to Cambodia, though Thai authorities have been criticised for not taking action against the perpetrators of the crimes against the woman.
A statement from ADHOC read:
“ADHOC urges the Royal Government of Cambodia to push for full investigation into the case of a Cambodian female worker who was tortured and detained in the illegal gambling establishment she was working for in Thailand… ADHOC strongly condemns the use of torture and the serious attack to human dignity through degrading and humiliating treatments inflicted to the victim. Such acts are in violation of domestic and international laws such as the Cambodian Constitution and Criminal Code, the Law on Suppression of Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation, the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention to Eliminate All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). As for now, Thai authorities have failed to take timely action in investigating the case and in ensuring full accountability of perpetrators.”
It was reported that it was the woman’s sister who informed ADHOC that her younger sibling was being kept prisoner and beaten at the casino. It was also reported that Ms. Somesa had been forced to undress in front of male gamblers, and that some pictures of her naked body were put on the internet.