Cambodia Warns of Diplomatic Fallout After Leaders Mocked in Public Display

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct.08, 2025) — Cambodian officials issued strong condemnation after a video surfaced allegedly showing a Thai national shooting at a portrait of Senate President and former Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen, calling the act a grave insult to national dignity and a potential threat to regional diplomacy.

The video, which reportedly depicts the image being used in a game or entertainment setting, has sparked outrage among Cambodian lawmakers, analysts, and government spokespersons. They say the incident risks inflaming tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, both members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Chea Thyrith, spokesperson for the Cambodian Senate, described the act as “inhumane and immoral,” accusing those involved of lacking the values expected in a civilized society.

“This is not only an insult to our leaders, but to all Cambodian people,” Thyrith said. “Such actions foster hatred and undermine peace in the region. Cambodia seeks resolution through dignity, not provocation.”

Thyrith urged national unity and restraint, calling on Cambodians to respond with solidarity and uphold sovereignty in the face of what he termed a “discriminatory and hostile act.”

Yang Peou, Secretary-General of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, echoed the criticism, suggesting the incident reflects deeper societal issues in Thailand regarding attitudes toward neighboring countries.

“The act demonstrates a serious disregard for regional harmony and human dignity,” Peou said. “As ASEAN neighbors, we must not allow such discrimination to shape our relations.”

The Cambodian Senate released an official statement condemning the incident as a “serious affront to human dignity” and a setback for Southeast Asian diplomacy. The statement emphasized that mutual respect is essential to maintaining peace and cooperation in the region.

On Monday, the Cambodian government’s spokesperson described the reported actions as “insulting and disgraceful.” Officials claim that images of Prime Minister Hun Manet, Senate President Hun Sen, and other senior military leaders were used in games and public displays where participants shot at their portraits, attached them to scarecrows, or mocked them verbally.