A simmering feud between political giants has exploded into public view, with Cambodia’s Senate President, Hun Sen, promising to reveal explosive secrets about Thailand’s influential Shinawatra family. In a lengthy social media post late Thursday, Mr. Hun Sen threw down a gauntlet. He claimed he would expose “secret information” about former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Friday, June 27, 2025. This dramatic announcement comes as tensions rise along the shared border.
Mr. Hun Sen’s online remarks framed Thailand as the aggressor in their long-standing disputes. He stated that his upcoming revelations would also touch on border issues and his personal “family relations” with the family of current Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin’s daughter. He even hinted at “important messages” linked to the Shinawatra family, including alleged insults to Thailand’s monarchy.
On Thursday afternoon, Mr. Hun Sen visited a shelter for people who had volunteered to evacuate in Preah Vihear province. He explained this visit brought home the stark difference between peace and war. He lamented that Cambodia’s dark past seemed to be repeating itself through aggression from its neighbor. He then directly challenged the world, asking, “Cambodia or Thailand, who invaded whom?” He questioned if Thai people were evacuating because of Cambodian aggression, stating firmly that Cambodians were the victims of Thai military actions.
Mr. Hun Sen recalled that Thailand had invaded Cambodia between 2008 and 2013. He stressed Cambodia’s desire for friendship, yet insisted it was repeatedly attacked. He painted a picture of stable relations over the past decade, from 2014 to 2023. During this time, he said, he worked closely and without problems with Thailand’s previous Prime Minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha. However, he noted, many issues have sprung up in just a few months since the current Thai Prime Minister took office.
Expressing his sorrow over the border situation, Mr. Hun Sen spoke about his long-term vision. He mentioned his “Emerald Triangle strategy,” a plan to transform old battlefields into developed areas. The goal was to build new villages for residents and turn the entire border into a zone of friendship, peace, cooperation, and development. He stated it took nearly three decades to achieve these aims.
Despite no longer being Prime Minister, Mr. Hun Sen declared his new role. He clarified that the Cambodian army is commanded by the Prime Minister, Defense Minister, and Supreme Commander. Yet, he announced he would serve as the “Supreme Commander for Logistics.” In this role, he would ensure supplies and equipment reached the front lines to “destroy the invading Siamese.” He also reminded Thailand of history, stating he was the one who built the army that defeated Pol Pot. He warned Thailand not to forget or twist history and to honor agreements, or else they would be “like bandits.”
He highlighted the sad sight of pregnant women and disabled people fleeing due to Thai aggression. Mr. Hun Sen suggested that political conflicts in Bangkok could spill over into border disputes with Cambodia. He urged Thaksin to advise his daughter, the Prime Minister, to avoid insulting others. He also said he was looking forward to a new Thai Prime Minister candidate, believing true resolution with Cambodia would only come with a new leader.
Mr. Hun Sen took the opportunity to issue practical advice to his people. He urged villagers in border areas to prepare bomb shelters in case of a Thai attack. He also told provincial, district, sub-district, and village officials to set up temporary shelters. He called on those evacuating to maintain cleanliness and protect themselves, especially pregnant women, who are carrying “two lives in one body.” He also instructed provincial officials to make sure medical teams were ready. The Ministry of Health, the Red Cross, and other groups, he said, should work together to help Cambodians.
Finally, Mr. Hun Sen reiterated his view that Thai-Cambodian relations were at their peak during General Prayut Chan-o-cha’s time as Prime Minister. He claimed Thailand now faced problems with all its neighbors. He recalled that Thailand was the first to close its border, prompting Cambodia to follow suit. He concluded by predicting that Thailand would have a new Prime Minister within the next three months.
Source: facebook-hunsen