Government rejects allegations that Hun Sen sought to buy shares in Thai energy firm

The Royal Government of Cambodia has completely rejected as false information spread on a Facebook account under the name Sam Rainsy, which alleged that Senate president Hun Sen was involved in the attempted purchase of a 24 per cent stake in Thai energy giant Bangchak. It alleged that the deal, worth almost three billion dollars, was channelled through a South African intermediary, but was ultimately rejected by the Thai Social Security Fund. The Facebook account included a link to a report published by the US-registered Asia Sentinel news network.

On Tuesday, September 2, a government spokesperson clarified to the public that Senate President Hun Sen, Prime Minister Hun Manet, and their family members have no connection whatsoever with the South African individual, as alleged, and have never purchased shares from any Thai company as claimed.

The spokesperson noted that the above Facebook account routinely publishes false, fabricated, distorted or plagiarized information from unreliable sources with malicious intent to tarnish the reputation of Senate President Hun Sen, Prime Minister Hun Manet, their family and other senior officials of the Royal Government.

It said this practice has long been used in attempts to undermine the popularity of Cambodia’s leadership, which continues to enjoy strong respect, affection and support from the people, and which has always stood by the citizens in every circumstance.

“All of this individual’s actions, particularly in recent times, clearly demonstrate treasonous conduct and open intent to destroy his own nation — acts which have been strongly condemned both domestically and abroad,” said the spokesperson.

“Nevertheless, this individual persists in spreading his poisonous influence by disseminating false, provocative information designed to divide and weaken Khmer national unity, refusing to correct his behaviour,” they added.

The spokesperson stated that the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) government, with former Prime Minister Hun Sen and current Prime Minister Hun Manet, has made every sacrifice for the benefit of the nation and the Cambodian people — especially by serving as a strong shield of protection whenever the nation and its citizens face hardships.