Phnom penh: Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, has issued a strong response to a recent statement by a Thai extremist politician, Sondhi Limthongkul, accusing him of harboring ambitions to annex Cambodian territory.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Sondhi Limthongkul made controversial remarks suggesting that if he were to gain power in Thailand, he would mobilize military forces to invade Cambodia and seize provinces including Battambang, Siem Reap, Banteay Meanchey, Preah Vihear, and Koh Kood, with aspirations to potentially reach the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh. Limthongkul's statement explicitly targeted Samdech Techo Hun Sen, indicating a hypothetical scenario where he would exert control over these regions.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen, in a social media post, condemned these statements as evidence of Thailand's ongoing territorial ambitions and greed. He urged Cambodian citizens to unite in a strong nationalist movement to resist any attempts by Thailand to encroach upon Cambodian sovereignty. He emphasized the importance of strengthening Cambodia's armed forces, enhancing national defense, and expediting border demarcation negotiations to avoid potential military conflicts.
Highlighting the risk of military clashes or border wars, Samdech Techo Hun Sen called for readiness to engage in long-term struggles through military, political, diplomatic, and legal avenues. He concluded his message by urging Cambodian compatriots to remain vigilant and prepared to defend their territory against any invasion attempts.