Thai Acting PM Wants to Build Political Future Through Ploy of Provoking Conflict with Cambodian Leaders

 (Phnom Penh): At a time when the international community and major powers are striving to help build peace through a ceasefire agreement, the reckless remarks by the acting Prime Minister of Thailand towards Cambodia's top leadership have made it clear that this is not a diplomatic stance, but a malicious political ploy for his own future. Such tactics not only destroy the trust of the international community but also threaten the building of genuine peace along the Cambodia-Thailand border.

Just as Cambodia and Thailand were seeking a peaceful resolution under a fragile ceasefire agreement, the people of both nations were hoping for a de-escalation of border tensions. However, approximately 10 days before the Thai Constitutional Court is set to decide the fate of the suspended Prime Minister, Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the acting Thai Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, rushed to make hostile statements against Cambodia's top leaders.

The statement, which said that "Samdech Techo Hun Sen and Samdech Bovorthipadi Prime Minister Hun Manet could be arrested if seen in Thailand," is not only a savage remark lacking diplomatic etiquette but also a hidden trick in the domestic political game. Samdech Techo Hun Sen coolly retorted that if Thailand can arrest Cambodian leaders, Cambodia can also arrest some Thai leaders who have invaded and killed Cambodians.

Savage Words Devoid of Diplomatic Decorum

Cambodia and Thailand are implementing a ceasefire agreement under the initiative of the President of the United States, Donald Trump, with direct intervention arranged by the current ASEAN Chair and the indispensable facilitation of the People's Republic of China. The words of the acting Thai Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, show that this Thai leader seems to have no understanding of democratic rights and no sincerity towards international agreements. This statement is an attempt to undermine the peace-seeking efforts of the ASEAN community and concerned major powers like the United States and China, which are encouraging Cambodia and Thailand to observe the ceasefire and join hands again for genuine peace. Instead, the acting Thai Prime Minister's remarks violate the trust of the international community.

A Strategy to Pave the Way for the Future

The acting Thai Prime Minister's arrogant statement came about 10 days before the Thai Constitutional Court is scheduled to announce the fate of Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra on August 29, 2025, if nothing changes. In this fragile political context, it is clear that the acting Prime Minister is preparing to "pave a political path" for his own future by creating an image of "Cambodia as the enemy" to attract support from the Thai military and the palace.

This is a premeditated move to pave his political future, opening an opportunity for himself to assume full power if Ms. Paetongtarn is ousted. In that case, the "acting" premier would become a key choice to satisfy the Thai military's political power, which harbors ambitions of swallowing Cambodia's ancient cultural lands along the western and northern borders.

As Thailand faces multiple crises such as domestic political turmoil, an insurgency in the southern provinces, a declining economic situation, and continuous protests from civil society, the acting Prime Minister has chosen an irrational strategy: creating a foreign enemy, especially Cambodia, as a tool to divert public attention. This is a strange use of the scapegoating strategy to conceal internal failings and advance personal political ambitions.

The statement by the acting Prime Minister of Thailand is clear evidence of a provocative policy to serve only his own power. Using "Cambodia as an enemy" in the minds of the Thai people is an unreasonable political ploy that could destroy border peace at any time. Cambodia is not a country that can be used as a comical political tool at will. World history has never recognized such threats. Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen has responded coolly and firmly that if Thailand can arrest Cambodian leaders, Cambodia also has the right and the ability to arrest some Thai leaders who have invaded and killed Cambodian people.

Samdech Techo condemned that "law and order have been destroyed by the invaders. Is this intended to build trust and create good relations, or to destroy them to reignite conflict after the ceasefire agreement?".