Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned legal measures reportedly initiated by Thailand’s acting prime minister against Cambodian leaders, describing them as a violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The ministry warned that such actions also risk damaging bilateral relations.
In a statement issued on August 19, the ministry said the move by Thailand’s acting prime minister severely undermines ongoing efforts to achieve a full ceasefire and restore peace, as well as the stability of relations between the two countries.
The statement added that Thailand’s proposed legal measures could erode trust between the two sides. That trust is seen as essential for effectively implementing the ceasefire and easing tensions, which both governments agreed to during an extraordinary meeting of the Cambodia–Thailand General Border Committee on August 7, 2025.
The ministry reaffirmed Cambodia’s firm commitment to working with Thailand to achieve peace and to normalize relations as quickly as possible.
The controversy stems from remarks published on August 18 by the Thai newspaper Khaosod, quoting acting prime minister Phumtham Wechayachai. He was reported as saying that former Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen and current prime minister Hun Manet would be arrested immediately if they entered Thai territory.
In response, Hun Sen, who now serves as president of Cambodia’s Senate, wrote on his Facebook page that same evening that Phumtham Wechayachai is “a lawless and uncivilized man.” He added that if Thailand’s acting leader truly intends to arrest Cambodia’s leaders, it would mean international legal norms were being destroyed by what he called “aggressors.”
Cambodia’s interior minister, Sar Sokha, also weighed in on August 19, writing on his Facebook page that he never imagined a Thai leader would dare to speak about arresting Cambodian leaders in such a manner. He warned that if such an arrest order were genuine, it would leave Thailand facing what he described as serious humiliation on the international stage.
