BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s government condemned Cambodian politician Hun Sen for publishing an old private photo of Prime Minister Anutin, calling it a manipulative political provocation amid a tense border dispute.
Thai spokesman denounces “scammer” tactics
Government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat reacted sharply to an image released by Hun Sen, president of Cambodia’s Senate, showing Prime Minister Anutin dining with the governor of Cambodia’s Pailin province.
“This is typical of their style. It is reminiscent of the tactics of scammers who later try to blackmail their victims,”
said Siripong, who described the move as brazen and manipulative.
Old photo, new dispute
According to Siripong, the picture dated from a time when there were no border problems between Thailand and Cambodia, and a restaurant visit was considered entirely normal. He stressed that Anutin was unfazed by the publication and that old private acquaintances could not be compared with the sovereignty of Thailand.
“What we are focusing on today is not who used to be friends with whom. It is about national sovereignty,”
said Siripong, questioning Hun Sen’s intentions and asking whether he was seeking to fuel attacks on the prime minister.
Call for confidence in army and diplomats
The spokesman urged the public to place full confidence in the Thai armed forces and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, saying both had already demonstrated their capabilities and professionalism on the international stage. He argued that this also applied to the current border crisis and insisted Thailand’s response to the provocations had been appropriate and proportionate, despite the military’s technological superiority.
“It was never an intimate relationship,”
said Siripong, adding that the images merely showed normal interstate contacts such as restaurant or temple visits.
Government rejects casino speculation
Siripong dismissed speculation that the episode was linked to past allegations that members of the Bhumjaithai party had invested in Cambodian casinos.
“That is not what this is about. All of this started on their side. Their actions directly threatened lives,”
he said, pointing to images of wounded Thai soldiers and noting that without bulletproof vests they would have been dead.
Message to Phnom Penh: no pressure from old images
The Thai government underlined that it would not allow itself to be blackmailed by old photos or diverted from its principles, stressing that national unity remained strong in the crisis. Bangkok’s goal was to ensure that the long‑simmering border question was finally resolved this time, and officials said the provocation from Phnom Penh had only strengthened Thailand’s resolve, leaving the next move to Cambodia.