Hun Sen issues tit-for-tat threat to arrest Thai leaders

Cambodia will arrest Thai leaders who are responsible for invasions of its territory and the deaths of Cambodian citizens, Cambodia’s Senate President Hun Sen wrote on his Facebook page today, in response to reports that Thailand is seeking legal action against him and his son, Prime Minister Hun Manet, for their involvement in fatal attacks on Thailand.

Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said yesterday that his government has decided to instigate legal action against Cambodia over the use of military force and weaponry to threaten Thailand’s sovereignty, which has harmed the lives and property of Thai citizens.

Phumtham stated that both criminal and civil suits will be filed against Hun Sen and his son. “If either are found in Thailand, they will be arrested immediately,” he said.

A few hours later, Hun Sen posted on Facebook: “If Thailand is in a position to arrest Cambodian leaders, then Cambodia could likewise arrest certain Thai leaders who have invaded and killed Cambodian citizens.”

He lashed out at Phumtham, saying his term as acting prime minister would soon come to an end and accusing him of lacking knowledge of laws and diplomacy.

“Phumtham is a reckless individual who lacks understanding of customary law and diplomatic protocol,” Hun Sen wrote.

Phumtham became acting premier after the Constitutional Court suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from duty, over the contents of her leaked conversation with Hun Sen concerning the border clashes.

Hun Sen asked, “Is this an effort to build trust and move toward better relations, or an act of provocation that could reignite conflict following the ceasefire agreement?”

Phumtham disclosed the government’s plan for litigation yesterday, after chairing a meeting of the National Security Council. Provincial Police Region 3 has been designated as the central agency to receive complaints from Thai citizens and government institutions affected by the attacks.

Their jurisdiction covers Si Sa Ket, Buri Ram, Surin and Ubon Ratchathani, which were heavily attacked by Cambodian troops during the five days of border fighting.

Tens of thousands of Thais were forced to evacuate to shelters.

Phumtham explained that Thailand is only seeking only domestic legal action against Cambodia’s leaders, not proceedings in an international court.