Hun Sen Warns Thailand: Honour 1907 Treaty or Face ‘Theft’ Claim

[geovalin]

 

 

Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen has issued a stark warning to Thailand, demanding it respect the 1907 Franco–Siamese Treaty or risk being accused of “historical theft” amid rising tensions along the two countries’ shared border.

 

Speaking in Preah Vihear province on Thursday, where hundreds of Cambodian civilians have fled recent military skirmishes, Hun Sen accused Thailand of redrawing the border unilaterally and ignoring internationally recognised maps. “Thailand signed that treaty with France, and must acknowledge it,” he said. “Violating it is tantamount to theft.”

 

His remarks come after a month of escalating friction, triggered by a skirmish in the Mom Bei area. Cambodia blames “warmongers” in Bangkok for fuelling the conflict, while Hun Sen said the crisis has forced civilians — including pregnant women and the elderly — to flee their homes.

 

In a fiery address to troops stationed along the frontier, Hun Sen, a former Prime Minister and five-star general, vowed to defend Cambodian territory and warned that Cambodian forces are prepared not only to defend but “go on the offensive” if provoked. “We are not invading any country,” he said. “But we will never allow ourselves to be invaded or humiliated.”

 

Hun Sen also dismissed reports from Thai media claiming he had assumed military command. He clarified that the title “Senior Logistics General” was a symbolic gesture of support from commanders and does not reflect any official military role. “I am here to offer moral and logistical support — not to issue orders,” he wrote on social media.

 

Despite stepping down as Prime Minister last year, Hun Sen remains a powerful figure in Cambodian politics and retains strong ties with the armed forces. He framed the current crisis not only as a challenge but as an opportunity for unity, calling on citizens to prepare for self-defence, maintain food supplies, and support the military effort.

 

“Cambodia wants peace,” he concluded, “but we are prepared for war if necessary.”

 

With tensions at their highest in years, regional observers are closely watching for any signs of further military escalation along the disputed border.

 

 

-2025-06-27

[spidermike007]

This would be humorous if it weren't so ironic. Hun Sen has been accused of stealing billions upon billions of dollars worth of land from his own people, so he's the last person in the world that should be accusing anyone of theft. 

 

He is a genocidal, former Pol Pot Pig. 

[thesetat]

2 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

This would be humorous if it weren't so ironic. Hun Sen has been accused of stealing billions upon billions of dollars worth of land from his own people, so he's the last person in the world that should be accusing anyone of theft. 

 

He is a genocidal, former Pol Pot Pig. 

You use taking land that is within their borders to having another country take land that is within borders. Not a very good comparison. Thailand (PM and Thaksin) have dropped Thailand into this problem. To lay insults and blame on Hun Sen would be wrong in this instance. 

I am not saying he is a good leader. but any leader would react the same if another country dishonored a land claim and tried to take it for their own. Just look at Russia and Ukraine.

[spidermike007]

1 minute ago, thesetat said:

You use taking land that is within their borders to having another country take land that is within borders. Not a very good comparison. Thailand (PM and Thaksin) have dropped Thailand into this problem. To lay insults and blame on Hun Sen would be wrong in this instance. 

I am not saying he is a good leader. but any leader would react the same if another country dishonored a land claim and tried to take it for their own. Just look at Russia and Ukraine.

Well if you really want to talk about legitimate land claims we should address the Sultanate of Pattani, and some of the reasons why the land disputes with Malaysia have been going on for 150 years. 

[thesetat]

1 minute ago, spidermike007 said:

Well if you really want to talk about legitimate land claims we should address the Sultanate of Pattani, and some of the reasons why the land disputes with Malaysia have been going on for 150 years. 

What does that have to do with Thailand and Cambodia and the problem that is currently being argued about. Or the topic of this OP?

[Mr Meeseeks]

7 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

Well if you really want to talk about legitimate land claims we should address the Sultanate of Pattani, and some of the reasons why the land disputes with Malaysia have been going on for 150 years. 

 

Completely different scenario, those Sultanates were given to Thailand by Britain as part of the Anglo-Siamese treaty.

 

Thailand claimed a further 7 provinces which the British refused to cede and now form part of modern Malaysia.