On the day when the entire Cambodian nation commemorates the 34th anniversary of the Paris Peace Accords (October 23, 1991–2025) — a sacred day marking national unity, the end of civil war, and the restoration of peace — Sam Rainsy, known widely as the “three-generation traitor,” deliberately chose this meaningful historical day to announce the establishment of his so-called “government-in-exile.”
Although this may appear on the surface to be just another political gesture, in reality it is a calculated attempt to exploit a national peace anniversary to confuse public opinion and undermine the unity that forms the very foundation of Cambodia’s hard-won peace — a peace achieved through the sacrifices of blood, life, and countless hardships.
Sam Rainsy’s actions are not a pursuit of democratic values, as he and his supporters have repeatedly claimed. On the contrary, they represent a direct attack on Cambodia’s sovereignty and independence, using the word “democracy” as a political disguise. Establishing a “government-in-exile” abroad is not only a violation of national law, but an attempt to delegitimize the only lawful government established under the 1993 Constitution. It is an act that reflects the loss of political ethics, national loyalty, and respect for the Cambodian people.
*Exploiting National Days to Incite Political Disorder
This is not the first time Sam Rainsy has used important days in Cambodian history as tools to provoke political disorder and attempt to overthrow the legitimate government.
On November 9, 2019, the 66th Independence Day of Cambodia, Sam Rainsy urged both domestic and overseas supporters to revolt against the government — a movement that ultimately failed.
On October 23, 2025 — the day honoring national reunification, the end of civil war, and the first restoration of peace — the “three-generation traitor” proclaimed the establishment of his “government-in-exile,” under the self-styled name “October 23 Independent Government of Cambodia.” This act runs directly counter to the meaning of peace. It is a tactic designed solely to confuse national sentiment by weaponizing a national symbol to create division, particularly at a time when the Cambodian people were commemorating the restoration of peace after the coup of March 18, 1970.
The creation of a “government-in-exile” on such a day is a deeply offensive distortion of national history and peace-building. At a time when Cambodia is facing territorial aggression from Thailand, the country requires national solidarity — not political fragmentation, nor an exiled group posturing in alignment with forces hostile to Cambodia’s sovereignty.
*Supporting Thailand and Violating National Loyalty — Can Such a Person Form a Government-in-Exile?
During the Cambodia–Thailand border clashes in late July 2025 — a five-day armed conflict from July 24 to 28 — Sam Rainsy did not express support for the Cambodian soldiers who were sacrificing their lives to defend the homeland. Instead, he used that moment to make statements that demoralized Cambodian patriotism and wounded the national spirit.
On August 10, 2025, in Chambery, France, Sam Rainsy publicly praised Thai soldiers for “shooting accurately,” while insulting Cambodian soldiers by claiming they “could not hit targets… lacked equipment… and fired at random, not knowing what they were shooting.”
Even more painful, he accused Cambodian soldiers who shielded their bodies to protect the country during the five-day conflict of committing “immoral acts.”
Such words reveal not only a lack of patriotism, but prove that Sam Rainsy chose to side with Cambodia’s adversaries at a time when Khmer soldiers were defending their ancestral land. His statements served as political ammunition for Thailand during a moment of national defense and sacrifice.
Thus, the question the Cambodian people ask is clear:
How can someone who insults soldiers who die defending their homeland claim to love Cambodia — or claim the right to form a “government-in-exile”?
The answer is simple: He cannot.
His words and actions show that Sam Rainsy is not seeking democracy, but rather weaponizing the Khmer voice to undermine the Khmer nation.
*The Political Intentions of the “Government-in-Exile”
Sam Rainsy’s “government-in-exile” was announced with ten individuals presented as its core members. However, these individuals have no credible support base and are widely seen as a small political clique attempting to overthrow the legitimate Royal Government of Cambodia — the only government recognized by the United Nations.
This “government-in-exile” is not merely unconstitutional; it is a dangerous act that invites foreign interference in Cambodia’s internal affairs and undermines public confidence in national institutions — essentially “placing a sword in the hands of those who seek to harm the nation.”
After repeated failures on November 9 and October 23 to mobilize public support, one must ask: Which national day will Sam Rainsy attempt to exploit next?
He and his followers must understand: National commemorative days are sacred — they honor the sacrifices and achievements of the Khmer people. They are not political tools for division.
Anyone who abuses national days to harm national unity has already lost the spirit of patriotism and the honor of being a Khmer citizen.
*Conclusion
The creation of Sam Rainsy’s “government-in-exile” on October 23, 2025 is an act against national independence and a severe violation of political morality. It is a deliberate attempt to undermine the constitutional order and destroy the national unity built through decades of sacrifice.
True democracy arises from the will of the people through legal, universal elections — not from ten individuals declaring themselves a government abroad.
The Cambodian people, who have suffered and struggled for peace for more than half a century, will not allow the “Day of National Peace” to be used to ignite political conflict again.
The Cambodian people, the nation, and the international community must strongly condemn these actions — to protect the integrity of Cambodia’s peace, unity, and sovereignty, which are priceless achievements of the Khmer nation.
