Phnom Penh August 18, 2025 — In a bold response to recent provocations, Cambodian Senate President and former Prime Minister, Techo Hun Sen, publicly addressed alarming reports from a Thai newspaper claiming that Thailand’s acting Prime Minister threatened to arrest Cambodian leaders Hun Sen and Hun Manet should they set foot in Thailand.

The Thai publication quoted the acting Prime Minister as saying both Cambodian figures would face immediate arrest — a statement that, if accurate, signals a reckless disregard for diplomatic norms and international law. Such threatening language not only undermines longstanding diplomatic protocols but also risks destabilizing the fragile peace and trust built between the two nations.

In a forceful social media statement, Techo Hun Sen condemned the remarks as a blatant breach of diplomatic decorum and customary international law. He underscored that Thailand’s threat reveals a dangerous misunderstanding of the principles of sovereignty and legal conduct, and it questions Thailand’s genuine commitment to peaceful bilateral relations.

Techo Hun Sen did not shy away from framing this issue in terms of justice and reciprocity. He stated that if Thailand considers itself entitled to detain and arrest Cambodian leaders based on accusations made within its borders, Cambodia, in turn, reserves the same right against Thai officials responsible for military invasions and acts of aggression that killed Cambodian citizens. Such actions, he emphasized, constitute violations of international customary law and must be addressed.

Analysts warn that this provocative posture threatens to derail the ongoing peace process and risk reigniting conflict. The timing raises suspicion — is this an attempt to build trust through transparency, or a calculated act of provocation designed to test Cambodia’s resolve?

The international community watches closely as tensions escalate. Cambodia’s stance is clear: it will defend its sovereignty vigorously and expects its neighbors to honor diplomatic protocols and international legal standards. Only through restraint and genuine dialogue can peace and stability be preserved in the region.

As this diplomatic standoff unfolds, Cambodia remains committed to protecting its dignity and sovereignty, unflinching in its call for respect, lawful conduct, and peaceful resolution.