An opposition politician has accused Cambodian People’s Party leader Hun Sen of stoking anti-Thai nationalism while simultaneously encouraging public gratitude toward Vietnam, raising questions about double standards in his foreign policy stance.
Opposition lawmaker Um Sam An wrote on his Facebook page that Vietnamese troops have supported Hun Sen’s rise to power since the 1980s. Despite accusing Thailand of territorial encroachment and filing a case with the International Court of Justice, Hun Sen has never taken similar legal action against Vietnam for its alleged land and maritime intrusions.
Um Sam An argued that both Thailand and Vietnam have violated Cambodia’s sovereignty by encroaching on its land and sea borders. However, he said that Hun Sen only dares to confront Thailand through international legal channels, while avoiding any formal complaint against Vietnam.
The lawmaker claimed this discrepancy stems from Vietnam’s historical role in founding the Cambodian People’s Party and backing Hun Sen’s leadership for more than four decades. As a result, he said, even in the face of Vietnamese interference in Cambodia’s domestic affairs and economy, Hun Sen continues to promote a narrative of gratitude toward Hanoi.
The remarks follow an announcement from Phnom Penh City Hall on June 23 confirming road closures around Norodom Boulevard on June 28. The closures are intended to facilitate the 74th anniversary of the founding of the Cambodian People’s Party.
Social commentator Vorn Chanlot noted that authorities consistently organize traffic diversions and provide logistical support during events held by the ruling party. In contrast, he said, when opposition parties host events, the number of participants is strictly limited and restrictions are often imposed under the pretext of maintaining public order and security.
Vorn Chanlot added that the continued observance of June 28, 1951, as the founding date of the Cambodian People’s Party reflects an enduring symbolic link to Vietnam. He said this underscores the perception that the party is not fully independent, viewing Vietnam as its ideological and organizational origin.
The Cambodian People’s Party, originally known as the Kampuchean People’s Revolutionary Party, was founded by Son Ngoc Minh, also known as Achar Mean, on June 28, 1951. The party emerged from a split with the Indochinese Communist Party.
Son Ngoc Minh, whose Vietnamese name was Phạm Văn Hua, was previously a member of the Indochinese Communist Party, which had been founded by Ho Chi Minh in 1930.
