A prominent Cambodian foreign affairs expert has called on the country’s political leaders to exercise caution and national solidarity in the face of renewed border tensions with Thailand.
Seng Vanly, a commentator on international diplomacy, posted on Facebook today urging Cambodian politicians to avoid internal political conflict at a time when the nation is facing pressure from a neighboring country. He warned that domestic political divisions could expose Cambodia to greater external threats and make it more vulnerable to territorial encroachment.
Seng Vanly emphasized that political decisions should be grounded in a spirit of national unity. He questioned whether now is the right time for political rivals to escalate internal confrontations, asking both government and opposition leaders to reflect on the potential consequences.
He raised concerns that political disputes could weaken national cohesion and benefit outside forces. Seng Vanly urged all sides to consider whether their actions are contributing to unity or further deepening divisions within the country.
His remarks come amid an escalating war of words between senior Cambodian political figures. Former Prime Minister Hun Sen recently warned that he may push to amend laws to strip Cambodian citizenship from opposition members if they are found to be cooperating with Thailand in ways deemed harmful to Cambodia. In response, members of the opposition have accused Hun Sen of siding with Thailand during a time of growing border tensions.
Speaking during an “Idea Talk” program hosted by The Cambodia Daily on the night of June 30, senior Cambodia National Rescue Party official Hing Soksan criticized what he described as a pattern among certain politicians who use border disputes for political gain.
Hing Soksan argued that, as Cambodians, all citizens and political leaders must prioritize the national interest, especially when the country is involved in sensitive disputes with neighboring states such as Thailand. He stressed that no Cambodian should support foreign governments in ways that could undermine the country’s sovereignty, regardless of political affiliation or circumstance.
He added that both political factions and the broader Cambodian public must stand together with the government in defending against foreign aggression. Hing Soksan cautioned that political rivalry should never come at the cost of national security, and that exploiting a moment of national challenge for political advantage only serves to weaken Cambodia’s position on the international stage.
