Thailand has feared Cambodia the most during the time of Senate President Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet, according to Hun Sen’s spokesperson, Chea Thyrith.
Citing the Khmer Times, the spokesperson said, “I dare say there has never been an era when Thailand feared Cambodia more than the era of Techo (Samdech Techo Hun Sen) and Thipadei (Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet).”
Without further elaboration, he added, “If one studies history, you’ll see that some former Cambodian leaders were used by Siam (Thailand).”
Chea Thyrith also noted that since the border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand began, he has often heard the President of the Senate and President of the Cambodian People’s Party emphasize that “brotherhood is one thing, but land is a matter of national sovereignty. The two must not be confused, and territorial issues must not be subject to insult or invasion.”
For over two decades, it has been widely known that the Shinawatra family and Hun Sen share a close relationship, sparking criticism that their personal ties could potentially influence national interests—particularly in negotiations over disputed areas.
