(Preah Vihear): Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Cambodian Senate President, announced that Cambodia is merely a victim in the issue of online scams, which he said stem primarily from Thailand, speaking on Friday (Jun. 27) during a meeting with local council members in Preah Vihear province.

He explained that Thailand, with its international airport connections, has been the entry point for many of the scam perpetrators. Therefore, he urged Thai authorities, “Please stop blaming others, especially neighbouring countries like Cambodia, for the online crime problem.”

“Cambodia has exercised great patience in working to expand cooperation in suppressing such crimes, but Your Excellency (referring to Thai prime minister) is trying to wash your hands of the problem and lay blame on Cambodia. That is unacceptable. Your Excellency has committed a serious mistake in this matter. You’re pointing fingers, but forgetting that the problem originates from your own side,” Samdech Techo underlined.

“Who’s been harbouring criminal networks along the border with Myanmar? Who’s been nurturing them near the Laos border?” Samdech Techo asked. “As for Cambodia, we’ve already done our part. You claimed Cambodia provided internet access — but we had already shut it down before the 24th, and Your Excellency even apologized to me. You said Cambodia had received incorrect information, but after clarification, didn’t you admit your mistake and apologize?”

Samdech Techo Hun Sen noted that while Thailand’s foreign ministry had threatened to cut Cambodia’s electricity and internet, Cambodia had already taken action independently, without any pressure from Thailand.

On the occasion, Samdech Techo Hun Sen also urged the Thai public to scrutinize their country’s leadership carefully, asking them to consider the tactics being employed. He emphasized that he was not criticizing Thailand’s Pheu Thai Party as a whole, but specifically denouncing the irresponsible behaviour of certain leaders who, he claimed, were dishonest with both their own people and Cambodia as a dialogue partner. He stressed, “If a leader cannot be honest with their own citizens, how can we trust them?”

Cambodia, Samdech Techo Hun Sen asserted, is fully prepared to cooperate in the fight against all forms of crime, not only online scams, but also human trafficking, money laundering, and drug trafficking. This, he affirmed, is Cambodia’s unwavering stance and commitment to regional cooperation.
=FRESH NEWS