Thai Side Strongly Refutes 'Assassination' Accusations Against Hun Sen and His Son; Netizens Flood Comments: RIP!

The Cambodian Minister of Information recently claimed in the media and on social platforms that Thailand is secretly plotting to assassinate Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet, sparking a public outcry. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has since issued a strong response, denouncing these claims as baseless and deliberately provocative.

Nikonde, Director-General and Spokesperson of the Information Department of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the Thai government firmly denies all false accusations against the country and criticized the remarks as “malicious slander” lacking rationality and evidential basis.

He pointed out that the two countries are currently holding high-level consultations on the Joint Boundary Committee (JBC) agenda, and the spread of any unverified information would “seriously harm both sides’ efforts to resolve differences through peaceful dialogue”, urging the Cambodian side to exercise caution in its external statements and avoid creating regional unrest.

On the same morning, Hun Sen posted on social media to celebrate his 73rd birthday, only to see the comments section flooded by a large number of Thai netizens posting “RIP” (Rest In Peace).

While the diplomatic row has yet to settle, an online battle has flared up elsewhere. On the morning of his 73rd birthday, Hun Sen posted on social media, only for his comments section to be inundated with “RIP” (Rest In Peace) comments from thousands of Thai netizens, using sarcastic language to express strong dissatisfaction.

Alongside a mass of short “RIP” comments, there were also long, curse-filled posts written in a distinctly “Thai sarcastic” literary style, venting emotions with references to illness and physical discomfort, filled with playful mockery that reflects the collective sentiment and unique humor of Thai Internet users.

Although some comments were biting or even crossed the line, they quickly went viral in the Thai online community as meme images, further amplifying the regional perception controversy stirred by Hun Sen’s words and actions.

Past Friendship Now a Contrast?

Meanwhile, a set of old photos has been circulating online in Thailand, sparking widespread discussion. The images show Hun Sen’s previous birthday parties, attended by former Thai Prime Ministers Thaksin and Yingluck, who visited Cambodia to celebrate, making the “friendly interactions” of the past seem particularly ironic in light of current events.

In the photos, Hun Sen is seen cutting a cake, with his wife, current Prime Minister Hun Manet, and the two “Shinawatra family” leaders by his side, capturing a moment of warmth and intertwined power. However, today’s situation reflects the changes and tensions in regional politics as time and political circumstances evolve.