AKP Phnom Penh, August 19, 2025 --

Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior has expressed deep dismay over the reported remarks made by Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister H.E. Phumtham Wechayachai, who reportedly threatened to arrest Cambodia’s Senate President and Prime Minister should they enter Thai territory.

In a recent statement that responds to the news outlets of Thailand that published the petulant view of their Acting Prime Minister, H.E. Aphi Santepundit Sar Sokha described the comments as reckless and profoundly disappointing, urging the Thai leader to deepen his understanding of international law and diplomatic conventions.

He noted that, if the reports are accurate, even the general public in Thailand, including its youth, may possess a better grasp of international laws and diplomatic norms than the Acting Prime Minister himself.

If it is too shameful for the Acting Prime Minister to openly learn from Cambodia’s leadership, H.E. Aphi Santepundit Sar Sokha gave a hint that he should consider quietly do so for his own benefit.

In case they had missed it, the DPM reminded the leadership of Thailand about the legacy of Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, who led Cambodia for decades from a war-torn country to what it is today and is widely recognised as a peacebuilder, while Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet is wisely continuing that legacy.

As a neighbouring country, Cambodia finds it unfortunate that certain Thai political and military figures, whether in official or unofficial capacities, continue to use language that not only breaches diplomatic etiquette but also crosses the boundaries of international respect.

H.E. Sar Sokha emphasised that Cambodia will refrain from interfering in Thailand’s internal affairs even if those leaders opt to become “frogs in a well” but he called on their scholars to educate them.

By C. Nika