Hun Sen’s Legacy of Peace vs. Thailand’s Politics of Provocation

Hun Sen’s Legacy of Peace vs. Thailand’s Politics of Provocation

In the wake of heightened tensions at the historic Ta Mone Thom Temple, acting Thai Prime Minister and Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has chosen to inflame nationalist sentiment and spread misinformation rather than seek diplomatic solutions. His baseless accusations against Cambodia and personal attacks on Senate president Hun Sen are not only irresponsible — they are factually flawed, diplomatically reckless and dangerously provocative.

Phumtham’s claim that Cambodia orchestrated the July 13 and 15 incidents for international sympathy is both absurd and offensive. The facts are clear: a Thai ex-soldier initiated the violence by physically assaulting a Cambodian officer, another Thai soldier disrespected a Cambodian woman on Cambodian sovereign territory — a blatant breach of military discipline and international norms.

Instead of acknowledging the wrongdoing or seeking de-escalation, Phumtham resorted to scapegoating. But who benefits from such tension? Not Cambodia, which has consistently championed peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and the depoliticisation of cultural heritage sites.

An Attack on Hun Sen Is an Attack on Stability

Phumtham’s remarks that Hun Sen “is not truly the leader” and “lacks international credibility” are deeply disrespectful to Cambodian sovereignty and institutions. As president of the Senate — the second-highest constitutional role — and ASEAN’s longest-serving statesman, Hun Sen’s contributions to peace, diplomacy and regional stability are beyond dispute.

His recent calls for calm are not acts of interference but responsible statesmanship. In contrast, Thailand’s interim leadership seems more interested in provocation than peace.

Cambodia Speaks with Unity

Claiming that only Prime Minister Hun Manet is authorised to speak for Cambodia ignores the country’s model of leadership continuity. Hun Sen provides wisdom and strategic counsel while fully respecting the authority of the sitting prime minister. Cambodia speaks with one voice — stable, mature and united.

The same cannot be said of Thailand, where political instability frequently results in shifting leadership and mixed signals, even from an acting prime minister.

Thailand’s Delusion of International Disinterest

Phumtham’s assertion that the world ignores Cambodia and distrusts Hun Sen is not just petty — it’s false. Cambodia remains a respected regional partner with strong ties to ASEAN, the US, China, the EU and the UN. Its leadership’s role in bringing full peace to Cambodia, national solidarity and unity, and important roles in ASEAN and the region — has been widely praised.

If Cambodia is not at the centre of diplomatic crisis discussions, it’s because it is seen as a force for stability, not chaos — a reputation Thailand is struggling to maintain.

The Real Threat to Sovereignty

While Phumtham insists Thailand will “never compromise” its sovereignty, it is Thailand’s forces that have repeatedly taken unilateral and provocative actions along the border. Cambodia, in contrast, has shown restraint and professionalism. Sovereignty is not defended through aggression — it is upheld through mutual respect and adherence to international law.

Time for Dialogue, Not Distraction

Rather than threatening to recall ambassadors or spread baseless accusations, Thailand should return to mechanisms or seek arbitration through the International Court of Justice, as Cambodia is doing.

Hun Sen has always been a voice of peace, even in the face of provocation and insult. Cambodia will not be dragged into a manufactured crisis designed to mask Thailand’s domestic fragility.

Let no one mistake composure for weakness, or restraint for surrender. Cambodia seeks peace — but will never tolerate disrespect, distortion or aggression.

Roth Santepheap is a geopolitical analyst based in Phnom Penh. The views and opinions expressed are his own.

Source : The Phnom Penh Post