Hun Sen Rebuts Anutin: Would China Build Cambodia’s National Road 58 on Thai Soil?
Hun Sen Rebuts Anutin: Would China Build Cambodia’s National Road 58 on Thai Soil?
SIEM REAP, Cambodia, June 10, 2026 — Senate President Hun Sen has rejected claims by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul that Thailand has never invaded neighboring countries, arguing that facts on the ground and international opinion do not support Thailand’s narrative regarding the ongoing border dispute with Cambodia.
Speaking during a meeting with provincial, district and commune officials, as well as leaders of government institutions from Siem Reap and Oddar Meanchey provinces on Wednesday morning, Hun Sen pointed to National Road 58 as evidence supporting Cambodia’s position.
According to Hun Sen, the road, which was constructed with funding from the Chinese government, passes through an area where Thai military forces recently placed shipping containers and barbed wire barriers.
He questioned Thailand’s claim that the area belongs to Thailand, asking whether the Chinese government would have financed and built a Cambodian national road in the area if it were clearly recognized as Thai territory.
“If the area truly belongs to Thailand, does that mean the Chinese government failed to realize it and still financed the construction of Cambodia’s National Road 58?” Hun Sen asked.
His remarks came in response to recent statements by Prime Minister Anutin, who said Thailand has never invaded another country and has always respected the sovereignty of its neighbors.
Hun Sen also argued that the international community does not accept Thailand’s portrayal of the border situation as an invasion by Cambodia. He said such a narrative lacks credibility, noting that it is difficult to convince the world that a smaller country would launch an invasion against a significantly larger neighboring state.
The veteran Cambodian leader maintained that Cambodia has consistently sought peaceful solutions to border issues through bilateral mechanisms and international legal frameworks while defending its territorial integrity.
His comments come amid heightened tensions along sections of the Cambodia-Thailand border and ongoing disagreements over both land and maritime boundary issues.
Cambodian officials have repeatedly stressed that disputes should be resolved through dialogue, existing bilateral agreements and international law, while also rejecting accusations that Cambodia has pursued aggressive actions against Thailand.
The latest exchange of remarks underscores continuing differences between Phnom Penh and Bangkok over the interpretation of historical agreements, border demarcation and recent developments along the frontier.
