(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Senate President, Samdech Techo Hun Sen posed the question: “Is Sam Rainsy a human or an animal? Is he a patriot or a traitor?”

Samdech Techo’s questions were linked to a video clip of Sam Rainsy attacking the Cambodian army’s efforts and praising the invading Thai forces during the recent five-day (24–28 July) border clashes.

During a meeting with Cambodians in Chambéry, France, on 10 August 2025, Sam Rainsy mocked and criticized the Cambodian army, saying they fired inaccurately, hitting Thai civilian areas, while praising the Thai invading forces for “shooting precisely at their targets.”

On Monday morning (Aug. 11), Samdech Techo Hun Sen uploaded Sam Rainsy’s video clip with the caption as follows:

“In response to this statement, my beloved compatriots! While our citizens and soldiers have suffered and continue to suffer from Thai aggression with schools, pagodas, homes, and even ancient temples, including Preah Vihear Temple, shelled by Thai troops, forcing tens of thousands of families to flee their homes and become war refugees, which is a national tragedy, why would any Cambodian praise the Thai invading forces and insult our own soldiers?

Is he human or an animal? Is he a patriot or a traitor? Please listen and judge for yourselves. I am happy to use my official page, with 15 million followers, to share his exact words as attached.”

Not only Samdech Techo Hun Sen reacted, many Cambodian citizens on social media expressed outrage at Sam Rainsy’s remarks, condemning them as unpatriotic, insulting to Cambodians, damaging to the nation, and siding with the enemy. Several even said Sam Rainsy does not deserve Cambodian citizenship.
=FRESH NEWS