Thai - Cambodia Conflict Suspended PM Faces Criticism in Visit to Surin Amid Border Tensions

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Amidst escalating tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border, suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's recent visit to an evacuation centre in Surin has sparked controversy. She arrived to offer support and distribute essential supplies to residents displaced by ongoing skirmishes. However, the visit took a dramatic turn as a resident criticised the government’s perceived indifference.

 

On Sunday, Ms Paetongtarn travelled to Muang district, Surin, where tempers flared among evacuees frustrated by the government's slow response to the conflict. Chayanuch Choksukudom, displaced from her home in Kap Choeng district, approached the premier to voice her concerns.

 

As Ms Paetongtarn exited her vehicle, she walked directly into the shelter, seemingly not noticing Chayanuch. An aide assured Chayanuch that the prime minister would speak to her later, which led to an emotional reaction from Chayanuch who remarked, “So heartless.”

 

In a conversation with the media afterwards, Chayanuch expressed her disappointment. Referring to Ms Paetongtarn by her nickname, she said, “I feel so hurt by Ung Ing’s words. The government’s handling is very slow. Thai people should not die in vain. Right now, the whole country is in pain.”

 

She urged Ms Paetongtarn to rethink her strategies: “I want her to truly open her heart and see how much we’re suffering. We understand there are interests involved, but please, think again and act anew — for the nation and its people.”

 

This criticism is set against a backdrop of allegations that the border flare-up stems from a personal disagreement between Ms Paetongtarn's father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and Cambodian leader Hun Sen. The ruling Pheu Thai Party has denied these claims.

 

Ms Paetongtarn’s political career is currently in limbo, as she remains suspended from her role as prime minister pending a court decision regarding her controversial phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. Despite her suspension, she retains a cabinet position as the culture minister.

 

The situation underscores the mounting pressure on the Thai government to address the border conflict more effectively. For residents like Chayanuch, the visit amplified feelings of neglect, stirring public discourse on the state’s responsibilities during crises.

 

In this turbulent climate, Ms Paetongtarn's actions and the government’s next steps remain under intense scrutiny, leaving the nation to watch closely as events unfold.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-07-29

 

 

[ikke1959]

She has no business there as she is suspended as PM...

[Dan747]

Makes you wonder if this is a "Thaksin vs Hun Sen Conflict??"