Hun Sen, president of the Senate and leader of Cambodia’s ruling party, has instructed Cambodian troops stationed along the Thai border to be prepared to strike back against any foreign forces that violate the country’s sovereignty.
Wearing a military uniform adorned with five gold stars, Hun Sen visited border areas in Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces today, where he addressed soldiers deployed at key frontier positions. He made clear that while Cambodia does not seek conflict with any nation, it will not stand idly by in the face of territorial intrusion.
Hun Sen warned that if Thai forces cross into Cambodian territory, Cambodia will be compelled to respond with force. He emphasized that the country’s military must remain on high alert and be ready not only to defend but to counterattack if necessary.
He said Cambodia continues to value peace and that soldiers would prefer to be at home with their families. However, he asserted that recent tensions with Thailand have now reached Cambodian soil, leaving no room for tolerance of aggression or provocation.
The ruling party leader reaffirmed Cambodia’s long-standing position: it has never invaded another country but will never allow any country to invade Cambodia either.
Tensions have escalated sharply since May 28, when Thai forces shot and killed Cambodian soldiers in the border area known as Mom Bei. What began as a border dispute has now expanded into trade and economic friction, with signs of potential armed confrontation.
While Hun Sen inspected frontline forces on the Cambodian side, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra also visited Sa Kaeo province, bordering Cambodia. Her trip focused on assessing the impact of current policies, including the temporary closure of border crossings between the two nations.
Meanwhile, Thai state broadcaster Thai PBS World reported today that during a meeting with the prime minister, Sa Kaeo governor Prinya Phothisat called for the termination of the 75-year bilateral treaty between Thailand and Cambodia. He also proposed halting all ongoing Thai development projects intended to support Cambodia.
In response, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet posted on his official Facebook page today that he is waiting to see who holds true authority in Thailand and to understand that country’s official position. He said such clarity would make it easier to work together in good faith to find solutions in the shared interest of both nations and their people.
