Hun Sen’s Spokesperson Rejects Thai Media Reports on Border Remarks, Calls for Corrections

Hun Sen’s Spokesperson Rejects Thai Media Reports on Border Remarks, Calls for Corrections

Chea Thyrith, spokesperson for Senate President and Acting Head of State Hun Sen, on Tuesday rejected reports by some Thai media outlets that he said misrepresented Mr Hun Sen’s remarks regarding Cambodia’s position on resolving border issues with Thailand.

In a statement, the spokesperson said Mr Hun Sen had not announced any intention to resolve the border dispute through military force during his visit to displaced civilians in Banteay Meanchey Province on June 9.

According to the statement, Mr Hun Sen instead explicitly rejected the use of military force as a means of resolving the issue.

The spokesperson clarified that Mr Hun Sen had presented two options for consideration during his speech earlier that day: the use of military force to reclaim territory occupied by Thailand or the peaceful resolution of the border dispute through international legal mechanisms.

According to the statement, Mr Hun Sen emphasized that Cambodia does not choose the use of military force and remains committed to a peaceful settlement of the dispute.

The spokesperson said the Acting Head of State had clearly reaffirmed Cambodia’s position that the issue should be resolved through peaceful means and in accordance with international law.

Thyrith called on Thai media outlets to correct and cease publishing what he described as inaccurate information, saying such reporting does not contribute positively to efforts to resolve border issues between the two neighbouring countries.

-Khmer Times-