AKP Phnom Penh June 26, 2025 --

Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen clarified this afternoon that his presence in Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces is not to issue orders to the armed forces on behalf of the Prime Minister, the Minister of National Defence, or the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF).

Speaking to around 1,500 displaced families—totaling nearly 5,000 individuals—taking shelter at the Wat Po 5000 Safety Centre in Kulen Thbong village, Kulen Thbong commune, Kulen district, Preah Vihear province, Samdech Techo Hun Sen emphasised that his visit was to offer moral support, encouragement, and donations to frontline troops safeguarding the nation's territorial integrity.

“I am the second-ranking person after His Majesty the King, so there is no need for me to hold the position of RCAF Commander-in-Chief. I did not even continue in the role of Prime Minister,” he stated.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen was responding to a report by a Thai media outlet that claimed he had removed the RCAF Commander-in-Chief and appointed himself to the role in preparation for an attack on Thailand.

He further explained that he accepted the honorary role of Senior Logistics General to lead and coordinate logistical support for all Cambodian forces stationed along the Cambodian-Thai border, in response to a request from fellow military personnel during a meeting this morning in Samrong city, Oddar Meanchey province.

By Heng Panha