Cambodia’s leader, Hun Sen, took to social media to calm drama around troop movements. He said it’s not about pulling out soldiers, but about shifting their position within the country’s own territory. Think of it like changing sleeping positions – you’re still on the same bed.
Hun Sen, the president of the Cambodian National Assembly, posted an audio message on his Facebook page on June 8, 2023. He wanted to clear up concerns about the decision to adjust the military presence in the disputed border area with Thailand. He emphasized that this move was agreed upon by the military commanders of both countries to avoid confrontations along the border.
The clarification came after many Cambodian netizens commented on his previous post, expressing disappointment and feeling betrayed by the perceived withdrawal of troops. Thai media also reported that Cambodia had agreed to pull out its soldiers.
Hun Sen stated that the adjustment in the disputed area was necessary, based on a mutual understanding between the two countries’ military leaders. Both Cambodian and Thai people want lasting peace and don’t want war. However, he noted that some critics misunderstood the move, thinking it meant withdrawing troops. In reality, it’s about repositioning forces within their own territory.
He compared the troop movement to changing sleeping positions on a bed. Even if you switch from sleeping with your head at the foot of the bed to sleeping with your head at the headboard, the bed remains the same. Similarly, Cambodia’s territory remains unchanged.
Hun Sen urged the Cambodian people to trust the government to resolve conflicts peacefully and maintain good relations with neighboring countries.
Source: Thmey Thmey