Phnom Penh, November 21, 2024 — Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen raised concerns about the possibility of designating the opposition group as a terrorist organization, drawing attention to the actions of extremist factions based abroad that disrupt peace through opposition movements.

During the opening of the 32nd National Congress of Buddhist Monks at the National Institute of Education on Thursday, Senate President, Hun Sen posed the question, “Is it time for the Royal Government or lawmakers to draft a law to designate this group as a terrorist organization? This is an issue that I and other politicians are closely monitoring to assess if the time has come.” He highlighted the potential risks associated with provocations that could lead to armed conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, noting that this concern extends beyond domestic issues and could escalate to a more serious level.

His statements coincide with ongoing discussions between Cambodia and Thailand regarding Koh Kut, a contested area along their shared border. Senate President, Hun Sen emphasized the lasting impacts of previous conflicts between the two nations, which continue to inflict pain on families who have lost loved ones. He urged extremist groups in both Cambodia and Thailand, who seek refuge abroad, to reflect on the repercussions of their actions, underscoring that the disputes between neighboring countries should not be minimized.