Rainsy accuses Cambodia of aid theft and military neglect

[geovalin]

 

Cambodia’s former opposition leader Sam Rainsy has accused the government of diverting international aid intended for frontline soldiers, leaving troops under-equipped and impoverished while senior officials amass personal fortunes. His claims, posted on Facebook on 23 August, have reignited scrutiny of Cambodia’s military integrity and governance amid rising tensions with Thailand.

 

Rainsy, who lives in exile in France, alleged that soldiers received as little as 800 baht—around £17—for risking their lives in recent border clashes. He claimed that most of the aid was siphoned off through bribes and party deductions, leaving troops with barely 10,000 riels (approximately £2) to survive on. “Those who dare speak out are punished and branded traitors,” he wrote, adding that monthly salaries were docked and redirected to the ruling party.

 

The accusations come as Cambodia grapples with persistent poverty and a fragile defence infrastructure. Despite these challenges, Rainsy highlighted the estimated US$3 billion fortune of former Prime Minister Hun Sen, contrasting it with China’s President Xi Jinping, whose wealth is reportedly a third of that amount.

 

According to Rainsy, modern weapons and air defence systems are deployed not to protect national borders but to secure Hun Sen’s residence in Toul Krawsang. “Our soldiers live in misery, lacking even basic safety gear,” he said, “while the elite enjoy protection and privilege.”

 

The remarks have sparked fierce backlash from Cambodian officials. Senate President Hun Sen responded with personal attacks, accusing Rainsy of praising Thai forces and betraying his country during recent border skirmishes. Social media reactions have been equally polarised, with some calling Rainsy unpatriotic and demanding his citizenship be revoked.

 

Rainsy insists that a new government must reclaim stolen assets and reinvest in national defence. His comments, though controversial, have once again exposed the deep fissures in Cambodia’s political landscape and the urgent need for reform.

 

 

-2025-08-23

[Pla Simon]

Good. Let it Rainsy on their tyrannical parade.

[PETERTHEEATER]

Sam, Sam, pick oop tha' musket......🫡