Somkid expresses intense anger towards Hun Sen
Firing Back at Hun Sen
Somkid Chueakhong, deputy secretary-general to the Thai Prime Minister for Political Affairs, isn't backing down from his complaint against Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, pointing to a contentious phone call as a potential threat to national security.
In a heated exchange with the media, Mr. Somkid responded to Chea Thyrith, Hun Sen's spokesperson, who challenged him to bring the issue before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
"I think this matter has spiraled out of control," asserted Mr. Somkid.
"I've filed a complaint against Hun Sen under Thai law. Our country has its own legal systems, including the Computer Crime Act. There's no reason to escalate things by dragging me to the ICJ," he declared.
Mr. Somkid went on to lambast Hun Sen for his perceived immaturity, stating that if the Cambodian leader had acted more diplomatically, the spat would have been resolved privately, without public commentary from the spokesperson.
When quizzed about withdrawing the complaint connected to the furious phone call, Mr. Somkid was adamant.
"This isn't a leaked call. It was strategically released.
"I can't retract the complaint because it centers on national security. I knew from the get-go that such complaints are not up for withdrawal. I'm positive Hun Sen's legal team is aware of this, too.
"The next move is for the case to advance as a special investigation. After the probe is concluded, it'll be delivered to the attorney-general," he said.
"If Hun Sen opts out, a summons will be sent, followed by an arrest warrant.
"Everything will proceed under the law of the land."
The Burning Tape
The latest turn in the controversy between Somkid and Hun Sen involves a high-profile investigation under Thai law. Somkid made no bones about his determination to stand by the complaint, citing national security concerns and the deliberate nature of the audio call release[1][2].
Somkid took issue with Hun Sen's spokesperson for encouraging him to bring the matter before the International Court of Justice. Somkid emphasized that Thailand has an arsenal of legal tools, such as the Computer Crime Act, to handle the issue domestically[1].
If Hun Sen refuses to cooperate, authorities plan to issue a summons and proceed with an arrest warrant if necessary[1]. The initial complaint was lodged with the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, aiming to identify the leak's source and hold all responsible parties accountable[3].
In sum, the dispute isn't cooling down anytime soon within Thailand's legal system, with Somkid digging in his heels and the potential for legal action against Hun Sen if he avoids the investigation[1][2][3].
- Somkid Chueakhong, deputy secretary-general to the Thai Prime Minister for Political Affairs, has emphasized that the ongoing controversy with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen is being addressed through Thai policy and legislation, rather than escalating it to the International Court of Justice.
- This war-and-conflicts matter between Somkid and Hun Sen, which stems from a contentious phone call, is now subject to a high-profile investigation under Thai law, with the potential for further action under the general-news headlines if Hun Sen refuses to cooperate.
