Pictures courtesy of TNR

 

A Chinese restaurant in Thailand has drawn controversy after a video emerged showing images of senior Cambodian leader Hun Sen placed on the floor near its entrance, allowing customers and staff to step on them. The footage, widely shared on social media, has sparked online debate and added tension to already sensitive regional sentiments involving China, Cambodia and Thailand.

 

The incident came to light after a Facebook user, posting under the Thai name “Prach Samsee,” uploaded a short clip and accompanying photos of the restaurant. The user wrote that it was “probably a Chinese restaurant in Thailand,” adding humorously that it “might have happened in August.” He later noted that the restaurant’s name resembled one in Sichuan, China, further suggesting its Chinese ownership. The post quickly gained traction across Thai and Cambodian online communities.

 

This controversy followed remarks made by China’s Ambassador to Cambodia, Wang Wenbin, who declared Beijing’s firm support for Cambodia’s sovereignty and security in a Facebook post on October 8. His statement read, “China firmly supports Cambodia in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security and development interests, and will always be a reliable partner in Cambodia’s development.” Cambodian citizens responded positively, thanking China for its continued support and describing the relationship as one of lasting cooperation.

 

However, the ambassador’s comments also prompted a wave of dissatisfaction among Thai social media users. Some Thais viewed the statement as unnecessarily provocative amid recent border tensions, insisting that Thailand had not invaded or provoked Cambodia. One Thai user commented, “Thailand will defend its sovereignty from invaders as well,” while another added, “Thailand will not be a battlefield for a superpower, but Thailand has its dignity and will defend its sovereignty and territory.”

 

Adding to the diplomatic friction, former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen recently condemned a separate video showing a Thai citizen shooting at his portrait to win prizes, calling the act “inhumane” and “immoral.” In response, a Cambodian government spokesperson criticised individuals in Thailand for using portraits of top Cambodian leaders, including Hun Sen, current Prime Minister Hun Manet and senior military officials, in disrespectful ways such as target practice, scarecrow displays and public mockery.

 

Authorities in Thailand have yet to confirm the location of the restaurant or whether any action will be taken. The incident has once again highlighted the volatility of cross-border sensitivities and the potential for social media to amplify regional political disputes.

 

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A viral video shows a Chinese restaurant in Thailand placing Hun Sen’s images on the floor for people to step on.

• The incident follows remarks by China’s ambassador to Cambodia supporting Phnom Penh’s sovereignty.

• Cambodian and Thai netizens reacted strongly, exposing ongoing tensions over border and political sensitivities.

 

Related Story

 

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  Adapted by Asean Now from Thainewsroom 2025-10-13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What a good idea but it should be father and son ?

 

 

Childish overreactions on both sides make finding liveable long-term compromises for peace all the more difficult.

No such thing as bad publicity?

Great idea! I'm going to make some DonaldTrump doormats to sell on Amazon... and of course some Ted Cruz doormats for the back door 😉 

Yeah, he doesn't look nice. Better to take my photo🤩

I foresee a new product hitting the market. Faces of those disliked printed on toilet tissue. Someone's gonna clean up with that!

This conflict and its sidelines is getting dumber by the day.

The doormat scheme has consequences.

On 10/13/2025 at 6:53 AM, JoePai said:

What a good idea but it should be father and son ?

 

 

Agreed

7 hours ago, Wuvu2 said:

Great idea! I'm going to make some DonaldTrump doormats to sell on Amazon... and of course some Ted Cruz doormats for the back door 😉 

Get out of my head.  Don’t forget the very popular Robert F Kennedy Jr Secretary of Department of Health and Human Services DOOR MATS…

Brought to mind ancient King Tut's sandals with his Nubian and other foes decorating inside of sandals.... "these sandals are made for walking, and that's just what they'll do...."