Thai - Cambodia Conflict Ceasefire Fails as Hun Sen and Sam Rainsy Clash Over Losses

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The uneasy peace between Cambodian and Thai forces has been overshadowed by a fierce war of words between Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen and former opposition leader Sam Rainsy. As reports surface of significant Cambodian military losses, tensions mount within Cambodia's political landscape.

 

The recent clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border reveal a heavy toll on Cambodian forces, with an estimated 3,000 troops lost, according to Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang. While Hun Sen has not directly addressed these figures, he has been embroiled in a heated exchange with Sam Rainsy, who has publicly criticised the Cambodian military’s performance.

 

Rainsy, speaking to Cambodian expatriates in France, lambasted the military’s use of ineffective Chinese-made weapons, claiming they caused accidental damage to Thai civilians rather than military targets. He praised the precision of Thai F-16 strikes, a statement which provoked a sharp rebuke from Hun Sen.

 

Through a Facebook post, Hun Sen questioned Rainsy’s patriotism, accusing him of siding with the Thai forces instead of supporting his own country. This exchange highlights the deep political divide in Cambodia, with Rainsy demanding transparency regarding the true extent of casualties.

 

The Cambodian military is a complex entity, comprising the central army, special zone units, and local "home guards." Recent operations heavily relied on troops from provinces like Kampong Cham and Prey Veng, with home guards primarily from Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey.

 

This use of local forces, often less experienced than the elite units like the 70th Infantry Brigade or Special Forces Unit 911, has led to high casualties. The bodies of soldiers reflect a pattern: predominantly local and home guards, underscoring the challenges faced by Cambodia’s military strategy.

 

The current structure and tensions within the military reflect historical divisions dating back to the 1991 Paris Peace Agreement. This accord merged competing factions, such as the Cambodian People’s Revolutionary Party led by Heng Samrin, the Khmer Rouge, and others, into a single national force. However, these historical rivalries still influence the military's internal dynamics today.

 

 

In the midst of this political controversy, Cambodian influencers and community leaders are rallying to support grassroots soldiers. Efforts are underway to provide aid and raise awareness for those left vulnerable on the battlefield.

 

These initiatives aim to bridge the gap between the central military command and local troops, highlighting the need for cohesion and support in overcoming current conflicts.

 

The casualties remain a contentious issue, causing unease domestically and straining ties with neighbouring Thailand. The failure to ease tensions despite a ceasefire agreement points to deeper issues within Cambodia's political and military leadership.

 

As the conflict unfolds, the discourse between Hun Sen and Rainsy epitomises larger questions about nationalism, leadership, and transparency in Cambodia. It leaves the nation grappling with significant losses and uncertain paths forward, urging leaders to confront internal challenges and pursue resolution.

 

The sharp exchange between Hun Sen and Sam Rainsy punctuates the gravity of the situation faced by Cambodia. With major military losses and internal political strife, there is an urgent call for clarity and unity in addressing both external threats and domestic unrest. The world's eyes are on Cambodia, anticipating how its leaders will navigate these turbulent waters.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-08-13