Phnom Penh,February 7, 2025: Recent in Vientiane, Laos, have drawn attention to the political affair between Samdech Techo Hun Sen and Mr. Seng Sary, an individual supported financially by Samdech Techo Hun Sen and regarded as a political consultant.

Through a series of Facebook posts, Samdech Techo Hun Sen addressed allegations concerning Seng Sary, specifically allegations of espionage or hostage-taking. In a post dated February 6, 2025, Samdech Techo Hun Sen stated, “I have many documents, both written and audio, including phone conversations in which Seng Sary asked for money to go to the United States.” He further clarified that he does not view Seng Sary as a spy or hostage, but as someone he has supported in his political journey. “I never threatened Seng Sary with the release of any correspondence. If Seng Sary has a voice, please let me hear it. [...] Even if Seng Sary is wrong, I will not release these documents because Seng Sary has been calling me ‘father’ for four years.”

Samdech Techo Hun Sen elaborated on the financial assistance he provided to Seng Sary, stating, “I gave Seng Sary the mortgage payment on his house and a budget of $10,000 per month for 12 months, totaling $120,000. This does not include the budget Seng Sary requested from Australia to travel to the United States and prepare to form a party.” Samdech Techo indicated that this support was aimed at aiding Seng Sary in his political endeavors.

In response, Seng Sary called Samdech Techo Hun Sen “father” and acknowledged their previous exchanges. He remarked, “Father is one of the most eloquent and persuasive people I have met.” He expressed gratitude for Hun Sen's financial support, stating, “He continued to give me a monthly research grant of $10,000 for a total of 12 months. Most of that money was used for research, which was spent on the data collection team and two other Thai research officers.”

Social media commentator Jem Sok publicly urged Samdech Techo Hun Sen not to escalate the situation, saying, “Respect brother. I beg you, please don’t hurt him. I beg you not to arrest him. Please curse me, but please beg you.” In response, Samdech Techo Hun Sen acknowledged Jem Sok's comment, stating, “Thank you for giving me the grant. I don’t want it, but everything depends on Seng Sary.”

As tensions continued to rise, Samdech Techo Hun Sen warned that he might release their correspondence if Seng Sary “crossed the red line” by viewing him as an enemy. He announced his intention to publish all 295 messages on his Telegram channel, which has more than 800,000 subscribers. “When the messages go out, they can be evaluated in a way similar to what Seng Sary said to Radio Free Asia last night,” he noted.