(Phnom Penh): In an era where online nationalism spreads far more quickly than verified information, a simple video clip of Cambodia’s SEA Games 2023 closing ceremony unexpectedly crossed borders and ignited emotional reactions in parts of Thai society.


The video, posted on the official Facebook page of SamdechAkka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, was merely a highlight of Cambodia’s celebratory closing event. Yet it soon became the focal point of heated debates among a group of Thai netizens who misinterpreted it as a “mockery” of Thailand, host of the upcoming SEA Games 2025.

This rising wave of online misunderstanding prompted SamdechHun Sen to issue an immediate clarification through his official social-media platform.

Samdech Hun Sen wrote that he never compares Cambodia with any other country, emphasizing that each nation organizes its affairs according to its own systems and capacities. He added that he “especially would not compare Cambodia with Thailand,” where some individuals claim to be from a wealthier nation and belittle Cambodia as poor—going so far as to assert that “half of Cambodia is made up of beggars.”

Samdech Hun Sen’s clarification was not a rebuttal to random insults, but a message intended for people in both countries: an explanation of the real political and financial facts behind Cambodia’s hosting of the SEA Games 2023. His message underscored Cambodia’s governance discipline, its long-term infrastructure planning, its international partnerships, and—above all—its national dignity.

Some Thai commentators escalated the rhetoric further, claiming: “Do not compare Thailand with Cambodia because Cambodia hosted the SEA Games with Chinese money.”

Samdech Hun Sen responded bluntly, questioning whether such remarks reflected personal behavior or a national habit of looking down on others and fabricating stories.

When Extreme Nationalism Outruns the Truth

To counter the claim that “Cambodia used Chinese money,” Samdech Hun Sen provided a clear and detailed correction.

He acknowledged that China, through President Xi Jinping, generously helped construct the «Morodok Techo»  Stadium, which Cambodia will use for generations. However, he stressed unequivocally that Cambodia did not use Chinese funds—or money from any foreign country—to organize the SEA Games, “not even a single cent.”

The national budget for SEA Games 2023 was meticulously planned from 2018 to 2023, with an estimated total allocation of USD 200 million. Of that, Cambodia spent USD 118 million on the SEA Games themselves, plus additional expenses for the ASEAN Para Games and performance bonuses for Cambodian athletes—bringing total spending to approximately USD 130 million.

Cambodia also covered food, accommodation, and logistical support for international athletes—amounting to around USD 12 million—to promote ASEAN unity.

Samdech Hun Sen emphasized: “Cambodia may be poor in resources and finances, but we are not poor in spirit.”

A Message of Caution to Certain Thai Commentators — and a Regional Lesson

Responding to Thai commentators who wrote “Do not compare Thailand with Cambodia” or accused Cambodia of using Chinese funding, Samdech Hun Sen offered a firm but reasoned reply: “I hope those Thai individuals who made such statements will withdraw their words. Claiming that Cambodia hosted the SEA Games with Chinese money is not only an insult to Cambodia, but also a disrespectful remark toward a major power like China.”

His message served as a reminder that nationalistic emotions should not replace factual reasoning, and accusations must be based on evidence rather than reactionary sentiment.

Samdech Hun Sen’s words also highlighted a broader regional lesson: careless rhetoric can undermine bilateral relations and distort the spirit of ASEAN unity.

Conclusion

Samdech Hun Sen’s statement was not merely a response to negative online commentary; it was a reaffirmation of Cambodia’s national dignity, self-reliance, and capability to host international events without foreign financial dependence.

It also served as a reminder—both to Cambodians and Thais—that online nationalism can never replace truth.

As Thailand prepares for SEA Games 2025, Hun Sen’s message is an appeal for mutual respect, fair competition, and a reaffirmation that ASEAN should remain a region of solidarity, not hostility.

His reminder is clear: dignity between neighboring countries must be maintained, and social-media narratives should never be allowed to overshadow verified facts.