Som Dech Hun Sen blasts Rainsy for supporting Thai military

Synopsis: Senate President questions Sam Rainsy’s loyalty to the nation, accusing him of praising an invading Thai military while criticising Cambodian soldiers defending the country. He highlights the destruction caused by Thai attacks and the displacement of tens of thousands of Cambodians as a national tragedy.Senate President Hun Sen has strongly condemned former opposition leader Sam Rainsy for allegedly siding with the Thai military during its recent incursion into Cambodian territory and for insulting the Cambodian armed forces defending the nation.

The criticism came after Rainsy accused Cambodian troops of indiscriminately shelling Thai civilian areas instead of targeting military installations. Though Mr Hun Sen did not mention Rainsy by name, his remarks clearly addressed the former opposition leader’s statements.

On his Facebook post yesterday, Mr Hun Sen questioned why a Cambodian national would praise a foreign army accused of aggression while criticising Cambodian forces risking their lives to safeguard sovereignty.

He cited the destruction caused by the Thai military, including damage to homes, schools, temples, and the historic Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

“(The Thai invasion) forced tens of thousands of families to flee and become displaced, which is a national tragedy,” Mr Hun Sen said. “Why would a Cambodian praise the Thai military and insult our army? Is he a human being or an animal? A patriot or a traitor?”

The border clashes between Cambodian and Thai forces in Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey provinces lasted from July 24 to 28. During the five-day conflict, Thai forces reportedly used heavy weaponry, including F-16 fighter jets, cluster bombs, chemical agents, and artillery, causing extensive damage to civilian infrastructure and heritage sites.

According to the Cambodian Ministry of National Defence, as of August 4, more than 120,000 Cambodians have been displaced due to the conflict, with military personnel and civilians, including children, suffering casualties.

Cambodia and Thailand reached a ceasefire agreement during peace talks held in Kuala Lumpur, brokered by Malaysia and co-organised by the United States, with China also participating. The ceasefire officially took effect at midnight on July 28.

While the ceasefire brought calm to the border over the weekend, tensions remain high. Thailand has continued to undermine the agreement with a series of provocations, including repeating the same unfounded landmine accusations against Cambodia.

Yang Peou, Secretary-General of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, echoed Mr Hun Sen’s concerns, warning that Thailand’s military aggression continues and calling for national unity.

“At a time like this, politicians must not divide the country,” he said, directly addressing Rainsy. “Doing so is like handing swords to the enemy. Political behaviour and messaging must reflect responsibility.”KhmerTime