(Bangkok, 5th) – Lieutenant General Nantade, former head of the Special Operations Center of Thailand's National Security Center, posted on Facebook yesterday, commenting on former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's recent tough stance regarding border disputes. He described Hun Sen as 'climbing so high, how will he get down?', suggesting that Hun Sen is caught in a dilemma.
Nantade pointed out that the Hun Sen government’s continued stirring up of disputes with Thailand actually harms the Cambodian people. He analyzed several key issues in the current situation:
Returning Workers Facing Difficulties: Large numbers of Cambodian laborers working in Thailand have been forcibly repatriated, causing many families to lose their main source of income and fall into economic hardship, and their previously saved wages are being depleted.
Restricted Access to Medical Care Affects Health: In the past, many Cambodians went to Thailand for medical treatment. Now, unless the illness is severe, most people are forced to stay in Cambodia and accept lower-quality treatment, seriously affecting patient health, especially for those needing long-term follow-up.
Ban on Thai Products Restricts Daily Life: The Cambodian government is attempting to suppress the circulation of Thai products, but Cambodians are long used to the quality and affordability of Thai goods. Restricting imports actually aggravates price increases, causing widespread public discontent and weakening support for the Hun Sen family.
Stirring Up Nationalist Sentiment Backfires: Political opposition factions within Cambodia have tried to stir up nationalism and anti-Thai sentiment to boost popularity, but did not expect that their own people would ultimately suffer as a result.
Caught With No Way Out: Under the growing pressure of the opposition, Hun Sen is willing to ease the situation but cannot find a “dignified way out.” If the conflict escalates, he fears Thailand will not back down.
Nantade speculated that the Cambodian side may adopt a 'symbolic approach'—launching a token attack on Thai positions, then swiftly calling for a ceasefire, and subsequently accusing Thailand of excessive retaliation to divert international attention.
However, he also pointed out that a more rational way would be to return to the negotiating table, reach a reconciliation agreement with the Thai side, and then gradually cool down the situation to avoid escalation.
He concluded by calling for patience and restraint from Thai border vendors and residents, expressing his belief that the situation will eventually ease, as peace is to the benefit of both peoples.
Nantade pointed out that the Hun Sen government’s continued stirring up of disputes with Thailand actually harms the Cambodian people. He analyzed several key issues in the current situation:
Returning Workers Facing Difficulties: Large numbers of Cambodian laborers working in Thailand have been forcibly repatriated, causing many families to lose their main source of income and fall into economic hardship, and their previously saved wages are being depleted.
Restricted Access to Medical Care Affects Health: In the past, many Cambodians went to Thailand for medical treatment. Now, unless the illness is severe, most people are forced to stay in Cambodia and accept lower-quality treatment, seriously affecting patient health, especially for those needing long-term follow-up.
Ban on Thai Products Restricts Daily Life: The Cambodian government is attempting to suppress the circulation of Thai products, but Cambodians are long used to the quality and affordability of Thai goods. Restricting imports actually aggravates price increases, causing widespread public discontent and weakening support for the Hun Sen family.
Stirring Up Nationalist Sentiment Backfires: Political opposition factions within Cambodia have tried to stir up nationalism and anti-Thai sentiment to boost popularity, but did not expect that their own people would ultimately suffer as a result.
Caught With No Way Out: Under the growing pressure of the opposition, Hun Sen is willing to ease the situation but cannot find a “dignified way out.” If the conflict escalates, he fears Thailand will not back down.
Nantade speculated that the Cambodian side may adopt a 'symbolic approach'—launching a token attack on Thai positions, then swiftly calling for a ceasefire, and subsequently accusing Thailand of excessive retaliation to divert international attention.
However, he also pointed out that a more rational way would be to return to the negotiating table, reach a reconciliation agreement with the Thai side, and then gradually cool down the situation to avoid escalation.
He concluded by calling for patience and restraint from Thai border vendors and residents, expressing his belief that the situation will eventually ease, as peace is to the benefit of both peoples.