PHNOM PENH: Prime Minister Hun Sen instructed anyone thinking about demonstrating at the behest of Candlelight Party leaders to think twice and re-listen to the voice message he posted earlier this month, instructing prisons to be prepared for an influx. He also shut down any rumors about the return of opposition Sam Rainsy, saying that he would be met with a rocket launcher upon his return.

Speaking at the ribbon cutting ceremony for a new bridge across the Tonle Sap on the morning of May 31, the Prime Minister send a strong message to opposition activists and warned them against futile protest, which will only bring imprisonment on the grounds of incitement.

He said, "Please do not bother with a demonstration, please do not. I already released my message and it still stands. Arrest anyone who tries to destroy stability nationally or locally.”

On May 13, the PM released a voice message ordering prisons to be prepared to welcome members of the opposition if they dare disrupt the peace. Calls to action have been rumoured throughout the Candlelight Party since the opposition party was denied entry into the upcoming National Election.

The PM appealed to party members not to believe in the incitement of the party leaders, saying that he was aware of all the internal affairs of the Candlelight Party and that only a handful of leaders want to demonstrate.

During the same ceremony, Prime Minister Hun Sen reacted to political commentator Seng Sary, who said that exiled opposition leader Sam Rainsy might return to Cambodia via the Thai border. The PM said that if the “third generation traitor” dares to return, he would be met with a BM-21 rocket launcher. He then admonished the analyst, saying, “Do not make analyses that could get people killed.”