Thai honorary degree revoked from Hun Sen
In a significant move, Ramkhamhaeng University has decided to revoke the honorary doctorate in political science that was awarded to former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen in 2001. The university council made the decision unanimously on Friday, citing Hun Sen's recent conduct that contradicts the values of peace and fraternity.
The original citation praised Hun Sen's role in promoting peace and fraternity between Thailand and Cambodia. However, the university council stated that allowing Hun Sen to retain the honorary degree could mislead the public, given his actions against Thais during the border conflict that escalated in 2025.
The most intense clashes occurred on July 24, 2025, when Cambodian forces reportedly opened fire near the Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple, leading to exchanges of artillery fire and Thai airstrikes against Cambodian military targets. This flare-up followed an initial skirmish on May 28, 2025, and months of simmering tensions, including landmine attacks injuring several Thai soldiers in mid to late July, which Thailand attributed to Cambodian forces.
Hun Sen's involvement was political as well as military; after a May incident between patrols, Hun Sen leaked a private phone call from Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra attempting to de-escalate tensions, sparking outrage in Thailand and political chaos there. Despite the violence, Cambodia's military response was relatively restrained, possibly reflecting Hun Sen's and his successors' desire to avoid full-scale escalation.
The dispute involves border demarcation and ownership claims over historical temples, continuing a multi-decade conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. It's important to note that there is no information from the sources provided indicating any new, separate violations of Thailand’s sovereignty uniquely attributable to Hun Sen beyond these events in 2025.
The university council emphasized that revoking the award entirely was the only way to nullify the original citation and reiterated their commitment to upholding the values of peace and fraternity. The revocation of Hun Sen's honorary degree is effective immediately.
The university council's decision to revoke Hun Sen's honorary degree is a direct response to his political and military involvement in the 2025 border conflict with Thailand, which led to intense clashes and exchanges of fire. Given his actions contradict the values of peace and fraternity, allowing Hun Sen to retain the honorary degree could mislead the public about his role in war-and-conflicts and general-news.
