Hun Sen Accuses Thaksin of Betrayal, Cites Thai Crime Networks
Cambodian Senate President details alleged “betrayal” and “call center gang” on Facebook
Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen has publicly accused former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra of betrayal, asserting a deep understanding of Thai politics fueled by daily updates from the former leader. The comments, posted on Facebook on July 13, 2025, follow Thaksin‘s remarks about Hun Sen on Thai television.
“Call Center Gang” Accusations Escalate
Hun Sen’s statement called upon global and ASEAN leaders to acknowledge Thaksin’s recent revelations. He reiterated a previous assertion from June 27, 2025, claiming that a “call center gang” and online criminals operate extensively within Thailand, with Bangkok serving as a major hub for cybercrime and money laundering.
These criminal networks, Hun Sen alleged, have consistently expanded their reach from Thailand into Cambodia. He cited Thaksin‘s own admission on July 9, 2025, during a television interview where the former premier stated that many key figures in online deception schemes remain at large in luxury Bangkok condominiums and can travel freely across borders undetected.
Regional Crime and Political Blame
The same day Thaksin made his comments, Thai immigration police apprehended individuals linked to online gambling and money laundering operations valued at 11.52 billion baht at Don Mueang Airport. Concurrently, the UNODC reported a significant increase in drug production and smuggling in the Golden Triangle region, identifying Thailand as a primary transit route for narcotics.
Hun Sen urged Thai politicians to cease unfounded accusations against Cambodia and to confront the reality of their nation becoming a nexus for drug trafficking and money laundering. He recalled a statement from the then-suspended Thai Prime Minister, who labeled border closures with Cambodia to combat online gambling as a “serious political offense” impacting bilateral relations.
A Game of Endurance
Referencing a recent comment attributed to Thaksin regarding a “diving competition” between the two countries’ armies, where the last one to endure wins, Hun Sen interpreted this as a veiled reference to the border closure dispute. He suggested this indicates Thaksin himself is behind the checkpoint closures.
“I may have to spend more than 3 hours to talk about Thaksin all matters – the person I have helped from 2006 to 2025.”
—Hun Sen, President of the Senate of Cambodia
Hun Sen also recalled a private interaction in June 2025, where Thaksin allegedly communicated a demand through consultant Anutin, leader of the Phuea Thai party and Deputy Prime Minister, for the release of a Defense Minister to ensure Phuea Thai’s control over the Interior Ministry. Hun Sen claimed his response was: “If taking him out Prepare to get out as well.”
“Betrayal” and Political Insight
Expressing no surprise at Thaksin‘s alleged betrayal, Hun Sen stated, “Because he can still betray his own country Breaking a foreigner like me is not surprising.”
He also reminded Thaksin of past conversations, including requests for advice on releasing a Defense Minister within 24 hours and remarks made before the King.
Hun Sen further elaborated on his alleged deep understanding of Thai politics, attributing it to Thaksin himself, whom he described as a daily, weekly, or monthly news updater seeking his commentary on matters related to Thai politics, not Cambodia’s internal affairs.
The ongoing diplomatic exchanges between Cambodian and Thai leaders highlight the complex regional challenges posed by transnational crime. According to a 2024 report by the UNODC, Southeast Asia remains a critical transit hub for illicit drug flows, with an estimated $10 billion worth of narcotics seized annually in the region.
— World Today News (@WorldTodayNews_) July 13, 2025
