(Banteay Meanchey): Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Acting Head of State of Cambodia, admitted that he did not prioritise strengthening the national defence sector during his tenure as prime minister because he sought to preserve the national budget for post-war development. He added that the issue was not the responsibility of current Prime Minister Hun Manet.

He spoke on Tuesday (Jun. 9) during his meeting with 3,318 displaced families at the Sla Kram Temporary Settlement in Svay Chek district, Banteay Meanchey province.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen stated, “Because of this trust and confidence, while serving as Prime Minister with full authority, I did not adequately prepare for combat. This was my mistake, not the mistake of the current prime minister. We were not sufficiently prepared for possible conflict. Nevertheless, we are making every effort to withstand the current situation and resolve it peacefully.”

He explained that after decades of conflict, Cambodia focused heavily on rebuilding the country, developing former war zones, and transforming border areas into zones of peace and trade following the end of internal conflict in 1998.

Samdech Techo also reflected on the Preah Vihear Temple conflict between 2008 and 2013, saying Cambodia had not fully prepared for military confrontation during that period due to his own negligence and misplaced trust in Thailand. He added that he and former Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha had previously worked closely to promote connectivity and trade cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.

Despite current tensions, Samdech Techo reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to resolving disputes peacefully.
=FRESH NEWS