Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet inspected flood conditions in Pursat province and distributed rice seeds and food to affected residents on the morning of November 5. Speaking at the event, he questioned why opposition figure Sam Rainsy had taken no action to seek clarification of Thai media reports that “Cambodia fired first.”
Hun Manet said Sam Rainsy had written to the French side asking President Emmanuel Macron not to visit Cambodia, yet had not written to the Thai media outlets that reported the remarks to request a correction. In his view, anyone misrepresented by a report should ask the outlet to correct it; otherwise, outsiders might wrongly believe that a Cambodian politician had acknowledged Cambodia fired first, harming the country’s image and the military’s reputation.
Hun Manet also said Sam Rainsy had long criticised the government and Cambodian armed forces, but had merely denied making the reported remarks rather than seeking a correction when the military’s honour was at stake. He questioned whether Sam Rainsy feared relevant evidence being made public and suggested his actions might reflect personal political interests.
According to reports, Sam Rainsy had earlier written to France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, asking the French side not to attend the Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh. Cambodia will hold summit-related events from November 14 to 16. Organisers say more than 70 countries have registered and more than 20 presidents, heads of state and heads of government have confirmed attendance.
