August 6, 2025 | 10:08 pm
The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly refuted reports from Cambodian media that accused Thailand of plotting to assassinate Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and his father, Senate President Hun Sen.
Nikorndej Balankura, Director General of the Department of Information and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, firmly denied the allegations on Tuesday. As reported by The Nation Thailand, he stated that the claims were completely unfounded and clearly aimed at tarnishing Thailand's reputation.
"I would like to reiterate that spreading false news while both sides are in the midst of General Border Committee (GBC) discussions not only serves no constructive purpose but also undermines the spirit of dialogue aimed at peacefully resolving the situation," Nikorndej emphasized.
The Ministry condemned the disinformation as a dangerous attempt to sabotage ongoing diplomatic efforts between Thailand and Cambodia.
Allegations of a Sophisticated Military Plot
Khmer Times reported earlier that foreign intelligence sources had revealed a detailed plan for the alleged assassination attempt. The report claimed Thailand planned to use GPS-guided ammunition launched from light attack aircraft to target Hun Sen and Hun Manet.
According to the source, Thailand intended to deploy AT-6 TH light attack aircraft equipped with South Korean-made GPS-guided bombs for precision strikes. These bombs were described as small, highly accurate, and difficult to detect, making them ideal for targeted missions. They were reportedly considered more suitable than high-speed F-16 fighter jets, which offer limited opportunities for interception by Cambodia's air defense systems.
Foreign intelligence reports further claimed that on July 29, Thailand received eight AT-6 TH aircraft and 200 GPS-guided bombs. Four additional aircraft previously sent to South Korea for maintenance had also reportedly been returned.
GPS-guided ammunition is considered highly dangerous due to its ability to lock onto and strike specific coordinates with high accuracy.
The intelligence indicated that the Thai Air Force initially tested these aircraft and bombs in the Phnom Troap area and began monitoring border developments on Monday, August 4.
If the Thai military failed to resolve the dispute over eight border areas, they were reportedly planning to launch airstrikes using the AT-6 TH aircraft from bases in Trat Province, a strategy designed to avoid detection by Cambodia's maritime defense systems.
The source speculated that Thailand was awaiting internal intelligence on the exact GPS coordinates of Hun Sen and Hun Manet’s residences, with the intention of carrying out a sudden assassination.
Escalating Tensions and Ceasefire Agreement
Tensions in the Thailand-Cambodia border region had escalated into armed confrontation on July 24. Following clashes at the border, both sides launched artillery attacks.
Cambodia reportedly used the Grad multiple rocket launcher system, including against civilian targets in Thailand, while Thailand conducted air strikes against Cambodian military positions. Both countries reported casualties, including civilians.
Last week, Thailand and Cambodia announced a ceasefire agreement. This followed a meeting between Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, which was mediated by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur.
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