“Friendship beyond mere politics” between Mr. Hun Sen and Mr. Thaksin

The surprise appearance of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Cambodia on August 5 attracted much attention.

The 74-year-old former Thai leader, who has lived in exile for 15 years, came to the neighboring country to celebrate the 71st birthday, turning 72, of Hun Sen – the recently retired Prime Minister of Cambodia, according to local media.

Fresh News, an online news outlet closely linked to Mr. Hun Sen, shared images of the celebration. Mr. Hun Sen himself also posted some images on his personal Telegram channel.

Photos show Mr Thaksin and his sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, attending a birthday party with Mr Hun Sen's extended family, including Mr Hun Manet - who was recently appointed by the Cambodian King as the new Prime Minister of Cambodia.

World - — The 71st birthday party of Mr. Hun Sen - Cambodia's longtime leader, attended by two former Thai Prime Ministers Thaksin and Yingluck Shinawatra, August 5, 2023. Photo: Fresh News

Mr Hun Sen revealed to Fresh News that after the birthday party, the two brothers spent the night at his residence in Takhmao town, Kandal province, just outside the capital Phnom Penh.

The two Shinawatras left Cambodia on the morning of August 6 after having breakfast with Mr. Hun Sen, Fresh News said, but did not specify their next destination.

The family gathering offered a glimpse into the close relationship between Mr Hun Sen and the Shinawatra brothers.

Steadfast relationship

The relationship between Mr Hun Sen and Mr Thaksin can be traced back to 1992. The relationship remains strong today, although both Mr Thaksin and Ms Yingluck were ousted in coups.

The party in Cambodia comes as neighbouring Thailand struggles to appoint a new prime minister, three months after Thailand's general election.

Before being seen at the party, Mr. Thaksin announced that he would postpone his return to Thailand by about 2 weeks, compared to the original scheduled date of August 10, citing the need for a health check.

Cambodian government spokesman Phay Siphan clarified on August 6 that the Thaksin brothers' attendance at Hun Sen's birthday party was a purely personal matter.

“Mr. Hun Sen has explained to Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha and other senior Thai officials,” Mr. Siphan said.

“He asked them (the Thai side) to understand his friendship with Mr. Thaksin and Ms. Yingluck. They have declared themselves as sworn brothers and have nothing to do with politics ,” the spokesman added.

Mr. Kin Phea, Director of the International Relations Institute of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said the gathering was purely about personal relationships and the event had nothing to do with political or strategic lobbying.

“If we talk about the personal relationship between Hun Sen and the Thaksin family, the relationship between the two families is like that of blood brothers. It started in 1992 before Thaksin became Prime Minister of Thailand,” said Phea.

“We have not seen the relationship between Hun Sen and the Shinawatra family weaken, and it remains steadfast. Even though the Thaksin family is facing political turmoil, Hun Sen has never let this affect the relationship,” he added.

The optimistic picture

Mr Thaksin was elected prime minister of Thailand in 2001 and re-elected in 2005, but he was ousted by a military coup in 2006, accused of corruption, abuse of power and disrespect for the country's monarchy.

He left Thailand in 2008 to avoid jail time in several criminal cases he said were politically motivated, and still risks jail time if he returns home.

The government led by Mr Thaksin's sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, was also overthrown by a military coup in 2014. Ms Yingluck also faces criminal charges and lives in exile.

In 2009, Mr. Hun Sen appointed Mr. Thaksin as an advisor to the Cambodian government, but Mr. Thaksin soon resigned.

At the party on August 5, both Mr. Hun Sen and Mr. Thaksin avoided making political statements, said Mr. Phea of the Royal Academy of Cambodia.

“Mr. Hun Sen always attaches importance to bilateral relations with Thai leaders, regardless of their political parties, as long as both sides respect each other's sovereignty, territorial integrity and interests,” he said.

“Therefore, the presence of Mr. Thaksin and Ms. Yingluck will not have any impact on the bilateral relationship between Cambodia and Thailand,” the expert stressed, adding that the harmonious relationship between the two former leaders will only help increase trade between the two countries and create more jobs for Cambodian workers in Thailand.

“These will benefit both sides,” Mr. Phea said, painting an optimistic picture of a friendship that transcends mere politics and promises tangible rewards for both countries .

Minh Duc (According to The Nation Thailand, AP, Bloomberg)

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