Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen has reignited tensions with Thailand, claiming the country owes him a “debt of gratitude” for previously sheltering members of the Shinawatra family. His remarks come amid an escalating public dispute with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
During a government meeting in Cambodia on Friday, Hun Sen made pointed remarks about Thai politics, saying, “You must understand that Cambodia is not unintelligent; we know your politics well,” in what appeared to be a direct swipe at the Thai government.
Hun Sen, Cambodia’s former prime minister and current Senate president, also revealed that he was informed in advance about internal plans in Thailand to remove Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul from key cabinet posts.
“Even when you planned to remove (Bhumjaithai Party leader) Anutin Charnvirakul from his posts as deputy prime minister and interior minister, you told me. If you can betray your own citizens, why would you not dare betray me? Of course, you would,” he said.
Hun Sen claimed he warned Paetongtarn, daughter of former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra, about the consequences of targeting Anutin.
He also threatened to disclose private conversations with the Shinawatra family, including statements that could potentially violate Thailand’s lese majeste laws.
A government-released image from February 21 shows Hun Sen meeting in Bangkok with Thaksin and Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
Addressing Thaksin directly, Hun Sen said, “Take good care of your daughter. Your child is a prime minister, but so am I,” referring to his son and current Cambodian prime minister, Hun Manet.
He continued, “Don’t misunderstand who I am. I do not owe a debt to Thailand; that is a matter between states. It is your people that owe me a debt of gratitude.”
“I am not bound by gratitude. All I want is an equal relationship built on mutual respect, with no encroachment and no intervention,” he added.
Questions Thaksin’s Health
Hun Sen also cast doubt on Thaksin’s health claims, accusing the former Thai leader of faking illness to avoid court appearances. He recalled visiting Thaksin’s residence in Bangkok’s Chan Song La neighborhood in February and said he observed no signs of genuine illness.
According to Hun Sen, Thaksin exaggerated symptoms such as chills in various everyday settings to create a false image of frailty.
“Like being chills in a tractor, chills in a car, chills while eating and chills while performing,” he said, suggesting the behavior was staged for public sympathy and legal leniency.
He added that during their February 21 meeting, Thaksin appeared healthy, but later donned patient equipment for a photo opportunity. At the time, Hun Sen said, he believed Thaksin’s illness was real.
“The reason I stayed silent was because I still respected Thaksin. But now I speak out because his daughter, who is now prime minister, lacks moral integrity,” he said.
Hun Sen claimed he had recorded a conversation with Paetongtarn and would consider releasing the audio after Thai officials criticized Cambodian troop movements near the border.
He said he had “lost patience” with the Thai prime minister, citing repeated insults. He described her remarks to Thailand’s Second Army Region commander as rebellious and warned that Cambodia was prepared to respond militarily if necessary.
The former leader said he would continue monitoring the situation and could reveal additional sensitive information about Thai ministers over several hours if provoked.
Cambodia Calls Itself a Cybercrime Victim
Hun Sen also turned his attention to cross-border scams, alleging that the global rise in call centre fraud stems from Thailand. He called for international scrutiny and claimed Cambodia is simply a “victim” exploited by criminal networks operating from Thai territory.
The former military leader urged global powers, including the United States and China, to help address the issue, pointing to Thailand’s major international airport as a logistical hub for cybercrime operations.
He reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to international cooperation in combating transnational cybercrime.
The remarks come amid heightened regional concerns over cybercrime and border security.
In response to the growing cybercrime issue, Thai authorities on Thursday ordered all telecom providers to cut broadband and mobile internet access to Cambodia. The measure is part of efforts to disrupt scam networks.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn has vowed to dismantle criminal gangs operating from Cambodian territory, saying, “The more they lose, the safer Thais are.”
Tensions between the neighboring countries flared after a May 28 border clash in the disputed Chong Bok area, which left a Cambodian soldier dead. Both sides have since deployed additional troops and limited the hours of operation at several key border crossings.
Cambodia has requested the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague to intervene in land disputes with Thailand in Chong Bok and three other areas. Bangkok, however, has rejected the ICJ’s jurisdiction.
