Hun Manet: Cambodia Awaits Thai Leader with Real Authority

[geovalin]

KT, Sokunthea

 

 

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has declared that his government is ready to resolve the ongoing border crisis with Thailand — but only when a Thai leader with “real power” is at the table.

 

Speaking on 1 July during National Fish Day celebrations in Takeo province, the premier took aim at what he described as Thailand’s lack of clear leadership amid growing friction between the two countries. His remarks came as 1.5 million fish were released into the Tonle Sap Lake, but the focus quickly turned to the simmering diplomatic row.

 

“We are not playing games,” Hun Manet said. “In Cambodia, we don’t have conflicting voices or four people issuing four different letters. We are waiting for someone with the legitimate authority to open or close border checkpoints.”

 

Tensions flared after Thailand shut its land borders with Cambodia in early June, prompting Phnom Penh to impose reciprocal closures. Since then, both sides have boosted their military presence along the frontier, and efforts to initiate dialogue have repeatedly stalled.

 

The Cambodian premier cast doubt on Thailand’s political coherence, pointing to contradictory statements from Thai officials regarding border policy. He suggested the now-suspended Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra lacks the authority to control the military or make binding decisions.

 

“In Cambodia, the chain of command is clear,” Hun Manet said. “Political decisions rest with the prime minister. When I give an order, it is not a joke.”

 

He reiterated that military-level talks would only be possible once all border crossings are fully reopened, highlighting Cambodia’s consistent position throughout the dispute.

 

With both nations entrenched and trust eroding, Hun Manet’s comments signal Phnom Penh’s firm stance: no talks until Bangkok can speak with one voice — and from the top.

 

-2025-07-02

[ozz1]

They must be feeling the pinch

[billd766]

4 hours ago, geovalin said:

KT, Sokunthea

 

 

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has declared that his government is ready to resolve the ongoing border crisis with Thailand — but only when a Thai leader with “real power” is at the table.

 

Speaking on 1 July during National Fish Day celebrations in Takeo province, the premier took aim at what he described as Thailand’s lack of clear leadership amid growing friction between the two countries. His remarks came as 1.5 million fish were released into the Tonle Sap Lake, but the focus quickly turned to the simmering diplomatic row.

 

“We are not playing games,” Hun Manet said. “In Cambodia, we don’t have conflicting voices or four people issuing four different letters. We are waiting for someone with the legitimate authority to open or close border checkpoints.”

 

Tensions flared after Thailand shut its land borders with Cambodia in early June, prompting Phnom Penh to impose reciprocal closures. Since then, both sides have boosted their military presence along the frontier, and efforts to initiate dialogue have repeatedly stalled.

 

The Cambodian premier cast doubt on Thailand’s political coherence, pointing to contradictory statements from Thai officials regarding border policy. He suggested the now-suspended Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra lacks the authority to control the military or make binding decisions.

 

“In Cambodia, the chain of command is clear,” Hun Manet said. “Political decisions rest with the prime minister. When I give an order, it is not a joke.”

 

He reiterated that military-level talks would only be possible once all border crossings are fully reopened, highlighting Cambodia’s consistent position throughout the dispute.

 

With both nations entrenched and trust eroding, Hun Manet’s comments signal Phnom Penh’s firm stance: no talks until Bangkok can speak with one voice — and from the top.

 

-2025-07-02

I suspect that should apply to Hun Manet also.

[Caldera]

23 hours ago, geovalin said:

“In Cambodia, the chain of command is clear,” Hun Manet said. “Political decisions rest with the prime minister. When I give an order, it is not a joke.”

 

He conveniently left out the role of his daddy in the decision making process.

[spidermike007]

Thailand is waiting for a Cambodian leader who is not a nepo baby from a serial killing, money grubbing, crime syndicate family. 

[Srikcir]

On 7/2/2025 at 9:21 AM, geovalin said:

but only when a Thai leader with “real power” is at the table

So is General Pana Klaewplodthuk, who serves as the Commander-in-Chief in the Royal Thai Army, available for negotiations?