Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has granted permission for a Thai Buddhist monk, known as Phra Ajarn Suj, to reside in Cambodia. Former Prime Minister Hun Sen expressed gratitude to Hun Manet and the Cambodian government for their support. He hopes that Hun Manet will petition the Thai King to grant Cambodian citizenship to Phra Ajarn Suj, enabling him to perform his religious duties as a Cambodian citizen.
Hun Sen emphasized that this decision is not intended to create tension between Cambodia and Thailand or be perceived as interference in Thailand’s internal affairs. He assured that Cambodia will not allow Phra Ajarn Suj to establish any organization to oppose Thailand.
Three Decades of Ties
Hun Sen reflected on the long-standing relationship between the Hun and Shinawatra families. He recalled that during the Thai political turmoil, Cambodia provided refuge to former Thai Prime Ministers Thaksin Shinawatra and Yingluck Shinawatra.
When Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra visited Cambodia in April 2024, she met with Hun Sen in a family capacity. Paetongtarn and her husband had dinner at Hun Sen’s home and requested to see the rooms where her father and aunt had stayed. Hun Sen revealed that he maintains two rooms at his residence dedicated to Thaksin and Yingluck, labeled “Thaksin’s Room” and “Yingluck’s Room.” Paetongtarn’s husband captured photos and videos of these rooms.
A Complicated History
Hun Sen acknowledged that the strong bond between the two families has been damaged. A leaked phone conversation between a Cambodian official and an unknown individual has strained their relationship. The official, unhappy with perceived disrespect towards Hun Sen and Hun Manet, released the recording.
