Cambodian Ex-PM Hun Sen Condemns Thai Carnival Targeting Image Amid Border Tensions

Territorial tensions between Cambodia and Thailand escalated in July, resulting in deadly clashes that killed over 40 people and displaced around 300,000. The two countries agreed to a ceasefire after five days but have since accused each other of violations. Cambodia's powerful former leader Hun Sen condemned a social media video showing a Thai man shooting at his portrait in a carnival game, calling the act "disgraceful," "inhumane," and "immoral." He urged Cambodians not to retaliate with similar behavior or boycott Thai companies, despite earlier bans on Thai imports and border restrictions. Hun Sen emphasized the importance of maintaining moral integrity and national dignity, rejecting calls to target Thai leaders' images in response. He appealed for continued peace, believing most Thai people do not wish to be enemies of Cambodia, even amid the fragile ceasefire and ongoing border tensions.