Nothing wrong with my family’s close ties with Hun Sen: PM Paetongtarn

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra claimed today that there is nothing wrong with the Shinawatra family having a close relationship with the family of former Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen, as she urged the Thai public not to fall victim to fake news intended to exacerbate Thai-Cambodian border conflicts.

She explained that the close relationship can help in solving conflicts, adding, however, that “I will not give up my house to a neighbour”, which is being interpreted as meaning that her government will not cede Thai territory to Cambodia simply because of the close ties between the two families.

The prime minister noted that Thailand is now facing a very important problem, which requires all Thais to stay united and to avoid the stirring of division among the people.

“The government does not mean any one party. The government, the opposition and the people are, collectively, Thailand,” said the prime minister, adding that the government has been in regular consultations with the military over the border conflict.

She said that Thailand must be ready to cope with all situations adding, however, that that the government has chosen a peaceful approach to avoid all hostilities and unnecessary loss of life.

The prime minister also said that Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will inspect the situation in Chong Bok and will attend the Joint Boundary Committee meeting on June 14, convened to discuss the border problem with Cambodia.