A senior Cambodian opposition official has warned that Thai authorities could seek an Interpol red notice for the arrest of Cambodian People’s Party leader Hun Sen, if Thai prosecutors move forward with criminal charges against him.
Mu Sochua, deputy head of the outlawed Cambodia National Rescue Party, wrote on her official Facebook page that Thailand’s cybercrime police have launched an investigation into leaked audio recordings of a phone call between Hun Sen and suspended Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The probe follows a formal complaint lodged by the opposition Pheu Thai Party.
Mu Sochua alleged that the release of the recording was an intentional move by Hun Sen to damage the political standing and reputation of Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Thai prime minister and father of Paetongtarn, who is currently facing legal proceedings in Thailand.
She further claimed that the fallout from the leak has prompted the Thai government to retaliate, targeting prominent businessman Kok An, who is widely believed to be a financial backer of Hun Sen. Kok An now faces allegations of online criminal activity and money laundering.
According to Mu Sochua, the leaked recording has become the basis for potential legal action against Hun Sen in Thailand. Paetongtarn Shinawatra has already been suspended from office by the Thai Constitutional Court while the matter is under review.
Thai media outlet Khaosod reported on July 14 that the country’s cybercrime police had submitted the case file earlier this week to the public prosecutor. The file concerns the leaked telephone conversation between Hun Sen and Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Prosecutors are now said to be considering requesting an Interpol red notice for Hun Sen’s arrest.
Sources cited by Khaosod said the complaint was filed on June 20 by Somkid Chueakong, deputy secretary-general for political affairs of the Pheu Thai Party. The 50-page submission accuses Hun Sen under Section 116 of Thailand’s criminal code, which covers offenses related to national security, as well as provisions of the country’s cybercrime laws.
Thailand’s cybercrime investigation chief, Siriwat Deepo, stated that Thai law can apply to acts committed either inside or outside the country, whether by Thai nationals or foreigners, so long as national security is affected.
Thai attorney general’s office spokesperson Sakasem Nitraiyok confirmed that if there is sufficient evidence, the case will be submitted to court. If Hun Sen fails to appear in response to a Thai court summons, prosecutors may pursue his arrest through Interpol.
The audio of the call between Hun Sen and Paetongtarn Shinawatra was originally recorded on June 15 and made public by Hun Sen himself on June 18, after the recording had already begun circulating online.
