PHNOM PENH – Cambodia has lodged a formal protest with Thai authorities following Thailand’s move to initiate legal action against Hun Sen. The Cambodian government has also issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Thailand.
Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs submitted a strongly worded diplomatic note to the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh, protesting against a complaint filed by Somkid Chuakong, Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister for Political Affairs.
Somkid filed the complaint with Thailand’s Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, calling for legal action against Cambodian Senate President and former Prime Minister Hun Sen over an audio clip of his conversation with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The complaint claims the leaked audio threatens Thai national security and fosters division within Thai society.
The Cambodian Foreign Ministry emphasized that recorded conversations between national leaders are internationally accepted practices aimed at ensuring accuracy and transparency. It labeled the legal complaint as politically motivated and warned that it risks misinterpretation between the two nations, undermining the principles of sovereign equality and mutual respect as enshrined in the UN Charter. The ministry urged the Thai government to take appropriate measures to resolve the issue and prevent any actions that could damage the longstanding friendship between the two countries.
Separately, Cambodia’s Foreign Ministry issued a warning to its citizens to avoid traveling to Thailand unless absolutely necessary. Cambodians currently residing in Thailand were urged to closely follow government updates and avoid high-risk areas, including any form of public gatherings, for their safety.
Meanwhile, Cambodia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy confirmed the nation has adequate capacity to supply domestic fuel and natural gas needs. This follows Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet’s order to immediately halt all fuel and gas imports from Thailand, effective from midnight.
