Hun Sen’s son calls for peace with Thailand

2026-03-05 - 05:23

PHNOM PENH — Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Civil Service Minister Hun Many called for renewed efforts to resolve tensions with Thailand, saying the two neighbours must eventually find a way forward despite recurring border clashes. Addressing National Culture Day on 3 March, he said Cambodia is determined to defend its territory but acknowledged its military holds no advantage over Thailand. He stressed that armed confrontation is not the answer, pointing instead to past disputes in 1954 and 2008 that were settled through diplomatic, political and legal channels. Recalling remarks by former prime minister Hun Sen, Many said: “Between 2008 and 2011, former Prime Minister Hun Sen said that our two countries are no different from the tongue and teeth. We cannot live without each other,” Many said. “But sometimes the teeth bite the tongue, making it scream. And sometimes the bite is not on the tongue but on the teeth, breaking the teeth.” He voiced hope that peaceful engagement would restore ties for the benefit of both nations, noting that geography binds them together.