TOKYO: While visiting Japan, former Prime Minister Hun Sen took time to post to social media to disavow his opponents who say he went abroad for medical treatment and hoped he would not return. The former PM vowed that he would live long enough to rid Cambodia of political “extremists.”

On January 11, the former PM posted a message on his Telegram to anyone questioning his health. "I would like to tell you that Hun Sen's health will continue to thrive until the extremists are eliminated from Cambodia. I would like to advise those [who speak of my health] to protect their own health rather than thinking of mine,” he wrote. “After 2 pm tomorrow, January 12, 2024, I will be back in Cambodia. Please extremists, do not worry about me. Do what you think is best."

Apparently the former PM had read online comments that suggested he was in poor health and had gone to Japan for bloodletting, hoping that he might not return.

Hun Sen left for Japan on January 9 and is due to return to Cambodia tomorrow on January 12. So far, he has met with multiple Japanese statesmen and leaders. He thanked Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, for warmly welcoming him as an old friend, even though he is no longer the Prime Minister of Cambodia. At the same time, he also thanked other friends who came to meet and discuss with him.