Hun Sen Accuses Thaksin Shinawatra of Betrayal Amid Tensions

SENATE president Hun Sen took to Facebook Live in a dramatic turn of events, accusing former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra of betrayal. This move comes just a day after Hun Sen warned of exposing damaging information about the Shinawatra family, escalating tensions between Cambodia and Thailand.

Speaking in Khmer, Hun Sen delivered a combative message, stating, “The time has come. They have betrayed me. Today, I will speak on eight points.” He further mentioned that details would be shared with diplomats scheduled to meet him later that day, adding, “If they want it today, I will expose the Thaksin family.”

Leaked Audio and Accusations

The livestream began with a leaked audio clip from a June 15 conversation with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, which Hun Sen claimed was recorded intentionally. “I recorded that conversation as I have been betrayed before,” he stated, justifying the leak.

Hun Sen accused Paetongtarn of deception, saying, “Paetongtarn said it was just part of the negotiation tactic. But clearly, you don’t know me at all.” He criticized Thaksin for failing to instill values in his children, adding, “On June 14, Thaksin attacked me online. Meanwhile, the Thai Prime Minister disrespects her own military and monarchy. I will reveal the truth today.”

“You may insult your own army and monarch, but you cannot do the same to me. It won’t work.”

Legal and Diplomatic Implications

Hun Sen rejected suggestions that his recording was illegal, stating, “There is no law preventing me from recording conversations. Why is the Thai Prime Minister afraid of a leaked audio clip?” He challenged the Thai government to take the issue to the International Court of Justice, saying, “If you want to take it to the International Court of Justice, go ahead. I’m in Cambodia. File your 5,000 complaints – I don’t care.”

He accused Paetongtarn of using a call center crackdown as a pretext for hostile action and border aggression. “As Thai Prime Minister, you shouldn’t behave this way. You claimed you went to the border to tackle call center scams, but you ordered the border closed starting on June 7 and extended the shutdown further,” he said.

“You closed the border under the guise of suppressing scams, when in fact your intention was aggression.”

Thai Government’s Response

In response, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai expressed disinterest in Hun Sen’s livestream, describing the remarks as inconsistent. “I don’t see the point in listening. Much of what he says contradicts itself, like his claims about border closures,” Phumtham said.

When asked about the potential release of audio clips that could expose sensitive issues involving Thailand, Phumtham remained unfazed. “I’m not interested. It has nothing to do with the Thai government. We don’t even know what his actual motives are. But what’s clear is that he’s engaged in information warfare and psychological games,” he said.

“Everything he’s doing is aimed at weakening the Thai government’s credibility and capacity. If our government becomes unstable, Mr Hun Sen stands to benefit, whether in territorial disputes or negotiations.”

Looking Ahead

Phumtham insisted that Thailand remains firmly committed to legality and transparency. When asked whether the Thai government would take legal action, he said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant agencies were monitoring the situation. “If there is any breach of international law that affects Thailand, we’ll take appropriate legal steps,” he said.

This development follows a history of complex relations between Cambodia and Thailand, marked by territorial disputes and diplomatic tensions. As both nations navigate these recent accusations, the international community watches closely, anticipating potential impacts on regional stability and bilateral cooperation.