(Preah Vihear): Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen recalled that he played a role in the founding of Thailand’s Thai Rak Thai Party by offering advice and sharing his experience with Thaksin Shinawatra during its formation.

Samdech Techo spoke on Friday (Jun. 27) during a meeting with members of the provincial, city, district, commune, and sangkat councils in Preah Vihear province.

“Regarding the Thai Rak Thai Party, let me say this clearly. I had a hand in its creation. I ask Thaksin and Surakiart to remember that clearly. At that time, I travelled to New York from Havana after an official visit to Cuba. Thaksin and Surakiart flew from Texas to meet with President Bush. Bush had not yet assumed the presidency, but Thaksin believed he would win the election and wanted to establish ties with a potential US president,” Samdech Techo underscored.

Samdech Techo continued that Thaksin later travelled from Texas to meet him in New York to discuss the formation of a political party and to seek advice on party-building. After that, Thaksin also met with Surakiart again before continuing his journey to Phnom Penh to meet with Samdech, at a time when Thaksin had not yet entered politics and was still a businessman.

On the occasion, Samdech Techo Hun Sen added that Thaksin subsequently formed the Thai Rak Thai Party and contested the 2001 general election. Although the party won a majority of seats, it did not secure enough to form a government outright. Thaksin then sought Samdech Techo’s help in persuading General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh to form a coalition government. Samdech explained that he held talks with General Chavalit, which resulted in a successful outcome that enabled the Thai Rak Thai Party to move forward and establish itself in power.
=FRESH NEWS