Recently, two highly sensitive intelligence reports regarding the Cambodia-Thailand relationship have circulated in the region, sparking widespread speculation and a tense atmosphere. In response to this, on the night of August 6th, former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen issued a statement directly addressing the so-called "Thailand-planned assassination" accusation, and provided a comprehensive explanation regarding the intentions of neighboring countries to sell military equipment to Thailand. He warned that if these issues are not clarified, they could potentially lead to more severe bilateral or regional crises.

Hun Sen pointed out that the two reports currently circulating cover the following content:

  • First, regarding Japan providing drones to Thailand, China providing drones to Cambodia, and South Korea selling ammunition and military aircraft to Thailand. Some voices interpret this as "preparing for a military operation against Hun Sen and Hun Manmoni."
  • Second, Thailand is allegedly plotting to use AT-6 Wolverine attack aircraft equipped with South Korean-made GPS-guided bombs to conduct precise aerial strikes on the two Cambodian senior leaders, aiming to directly decapitate the current Cambodian leadership structure against the backdrop of unresolved border disputes.

Hun Sen stated that if these accusations are not clarified or appropriately addressed, they may evolve into more destructive geopolitical crises in the future.

Regarding the reports on drones and military equipment transactions, Hun Sen emphasized that regardless of whether Cambodia or Thailand purchases military equipment from any country, it is a sovereign act and should not be exaggerated, nor should it be used as a tool to incite regional confrontation.

"Such issues should not escalate into conflicts beyond bilateral relations, especially in the current context where countries are striving to achieve a ceasefire and promote peace between Cambodia and Thailand," Hun Sen noted. He pointed out that exaggerating arms sales as hostile intentions would be counterproductive and undermine peace efforts.

Regarding the so-called "Thailand leaders plotting to assassinate me and Hun Manmoni," Hun Sen bluntly said, "It is extremely hard to believe."

"Even if the Thai leadership dislikes me or Hun Manmoni, they would not go to such an immoral way to solve the problem," he believed. Although there were indeed historical instances of assassinating generals to change the course of battles, he said, "Today's world requires dialogue and understanding, not murder."

Hun Sen clearly pointed out that what the current Cambodia-Thailand relationship needs is for both sides' strong leaders to step forward and negotiate for peace.

"Cambodia needs a strong Thai figure who can push for peace negotiations; similarly, Thailand also needs a strong and capable Cambodian representative. Currently, only I and Hun Manmoni possess such roles and capabilities, and Hun Manmoni is leading direct dialogues," he said.

Hun Sen further emphasized, "In this reality, the Thai leaders have no reason to assassinate me or Hun Manmoni." He warned, "If we two were indeed killed by the Thai side, it would ignite tens of thousands, even millions of 'Hun Senses' and 'Hun Manmonis' standing up in Cambodia." That would mean, "Thailand would become an eternal enemy of Cambodia that cannot be reconciled, and the situation would completely spiral out of control."

Hun Sen bluntly said, "Myself and Hun Manmoni are not weak frogs that can be easily manipulated."

Regarding the so-called rumors about Thailand possibly using military aircraft for an assassination, Hun Sen specifically reminded the countries that sell military aircraft to Thailand to strictly implement constraints and regulations on the use of the aircraft.

He pointed out that Thailand has previously used military aircraft purchased from the United States and Sweden to enter Cambodian airspace, causing serious friction.

"We do not oppose Thailand having military aircraft, but one thing must be clear—these aircraft cannot be used to bomb Cambodia, nor can they be used to attack neighboring countries such as Laos, Malaysia, or Myanmar."

Hun Sen's high-profile remarks clearly aim to stabilize regional public opinion and prevent misunderstandings from escalating into actual conflicts. He repeatedly emphasized dialogue and peace, expressing his stance of not wanting Cambodia and Thailand to fall into a war vortex. The outside world generally believes that Hun Sen's speech is a clear signal to the outside world: peace remains Cambodia's position, but if provoked, it will not respond weakly.

In the current fragile regional security situation, frequent flow of military equipment, and difficulty distinguishing true from false information, Hun Sen's statement undoubtedly sets the tone for the situation and sends a warning to neighboring countries and the international community: on the edge of miscalculations, no one can afford the consequences of triggering a conflict.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7535605707706483236/

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