SURIN, Thailand — In a bold and revealing Facebook post, Sorasart Seepheng, former Deputy Governor of Surin Province, published what he claims to be a word-for-word transcript of a tense conversation between former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during their recent meeting.
According to Sorasart, the interpreter did not translate Hun Sen’s remarks in full, possibly to “protect the Thai Prime Minister’s feelings,” despite the fact that Hun Sen had delivered a blunt and uncompromising message about the ongoing border checkpoint closures.
Hun Sen: “No Negotiations — Thailand Closed the Border, So Thailand Must Reopen It”
In the transcript, Hun Sen makes clear that Cambodia is not the party that started the problem, insisting that it was the Thai military that unilaterally shut down several crossings along the shared border. Hun Sen warned that Cambodia had no choice but to retaliate after being taken advantage of in a previous compromise over the Chong Bok post.
“There’s no need for negotiations,” Hun Sen is quoted as saying. “Thailand must act first. Cambodia will follow within 5 hours. I guarantee it — you can cut off my head if we don’t.”
He demanded that Thailand restore all border checkpoints to pre-June 7, 2025 status, at which point Cambodia would respond by lifting bans on fruit and vegetable imports and restoring normal operations.
Paetongtarn Appeals for Understanding — Hun Sen Pushes Back
During the exchange, Prime Minister Paetongtarn — often referred to affectionately as “Ing” — reportedly asked Hun Sen to show understanding for her position, saying she wanted a bilateral agreement and peace to return. But Hun Sen stood firm:
“I understand, but I cannot trade Cambodia’s national interests for personal sympathy or friendship,” he said.
“If Thailand closed the border on its own, then Thailand must reopen it on its own.”
Hun Sen also warned that if the situation did not improve by the next day, Cambodia would escalate further by banning all fruit and vegetable imports along the Thai-Cambodian border.
Hun Sen Criticizes Lack of Unity Within Thai Government
One of the most striking revelations from the conversation is Hun Sen’s observation that Thailand’s government appears divided, with one side seeking talks while the military acts independently.
“One side calls for negotiations, while the other side continues to close the borders. I don’t know what the Thai strategy is — it seems there’s no internal agreement,” he said.
In contrast, he emphasized that Cambodia speaks with one voice, from the top level of government down to the military: “When the Prime Minister gives an order, everyone must follow.”
Facebook Posts Are Intentional, Not Political
When Paetongtarn expressed concern that Hun Sen’s Facebook posts were politically damaging to her government, he replied that Cambodia had a duty to communicate openly with its people, and that public messaging would continue unless Thailand reopened the border.
“The real issue is the border closure. If it stays closed, I’ll keep posting.”
Final Message: “Reopen the Borders, and We’ll Follow”
As the conversation wrapped up, Hun Sen made his final position unmistakably clear:
There will be no further talks, no diplomatic dance — only direct action.
“The only thing we ask is for Thailand to lift the closure orders and return things to how they were. Cambodia will respond within five hours. This is not a matter for negotiation. Thailand closed it, so Thailand must reopen it.”
