Leaders visit wounded in first public appearance since Dec 7

Prime Minister Hun Manet and First Lady Pich Chanmony visit injured military and police forces in hospital in Phnom Penh, on Tuesday. PMO

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Synopsis: Having shown restraint and wisdom in negotiating the conflict with Thailand, Prime Minister Hun Manet and Senate President Hun Sen are now working to boost the welfare of wounded troops and war refugees.

With border tensions easing, Prime Minister Hun Manet and Senate President Hun Sen on Tuesday made their first public appearance since military clashes erupted on December 7.

On a mission to support the frontline defence post-ceasefire, Mr Hun Manet and First Lady Pich Chanmony on Tuesday visited military and police personnel in several hospitals in Phnom Penh, offering words of comfort to those who has been injured in the line of duty.

The next day, the First Couple were seen again at the bedside of wounded soldiers in the wards to check on their conditions, discuss treatments with the doctors, and chat with the patients’ families. The patients were presented with financial assistance and supplies.

In a social media statement, the Prime Minister expressed his deep gratitude for the “heroic sacrifices” of the servicemen and women, praising their courage in defending the nation’s territorial integrity.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the bravery of all our heroic soldiers and police officers who made courageous sacrifices in the noble cause of defending our nation and territorial integrity,” he said.

“I also wish all wounded soldiers and police officers who are receiving medical care a speedy recovery and good health so that they may return to duty and reunite with their families.”

Mr Hun Sen thanked the medical teams and local authorities involved in the coordinated effort to transport and treat the injured.

“I would like to extend my thanks to the relevant authorities and all concerned parties, especially the doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers, for their close cooperation and dedicated efforts in facilitating the transportation and treatment of the wounded—from local hospitals through to continued care at hospitals in Phnom Penh,” he said.

Also on Tuesday, Senate President Hun Sen visited a team packing relief supplies for people displaced by the recent Thai assaults on the Cambodian border.

The relief operation is headed by Hun Mana, Director-General of Bayon Radio and Television’s General Department, who is overseeing the preparation and coordination of the aid packages for residents who were evacuated from border areas in several provinces over concerns for their safety.

During the visit, Mr Hun Sen thanked the working group and highlighted the importance of timely and well-coordinated humanitarian support for citizens who had been forced to flee their homes.

He also reviewed the packing process to ensure that the assistance would reach affected families efficiently.

During the 21 days of Thailand’s undeclared war on Cambodia at the border, the Senate President, who is also a five-star general, played a key role in the fighting as the key advisor and strategist for the army, said Senate spokesman Chea Thirith.

Thirith said the former prime minister has gone through 105 battles and suffered five serious injuries, yet he has never taken a single day’s rest when it comes to serving the Cambodian nation and people.

“Whenever the nation and its people face hardship, he is always present. His life belongs to the Cambodian nation,” he added.

Meanwhile, in a public message released on Monday, Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed deep respect and gratitude to the brave soldiers, police officers, and citizens affected by recent border conflicts, emphasising Cambodia’s unwavering commitment to peace, national sovereignty, and the protection of its people.

Highlighting the country’s painful history of war and the value of peace, he explained the government’s decision to agree to a ceasefire with Thailand on December 27 to protect the safety and wellbeing of civilians and military personnel while maintaining full sovereignty over Cambodian territory

He reaffirmed Cambodia’s adherence to international law, treaties, and agreements, and its dedication to peaceful, lawful, and negotiated solutions to disputes, with continued support from friendly nations and international partners.

Pou Sothirak, a Distinguished Senior Adviser to the Cambodian Centre for Regional Studies, said that through their measured public silence, the Senate President and Prime Minister, have demonstrated remarkable wisdom and leadership, guiding the country through its most challenging moments.

“Although Cambodia is a small country, it is blessed with great leaders,” he said.

Sothirak said Mr Hun Sen has once again displayed the traits of a great statesman and military strategist in defending the country’s territory and sovereignty.

“Meanwhile, Prime Minister Hun Manet has shown his qualifications as a strong head of the Cambodian government, achieving great feats in managing negotiations and dialogues to seek peace,” he added.

“The reduction of tensions and the release of the soldiers would not have been possible without these two leaders, as well as stakeholders including Malaysia, the US and China, who believed in Cambodian leaders and pushed Thailand to halt their aggression.”

-Khmer Times-