Security Forces Fortify Border Town ahead of Sam Rainsy’s Return
Members of Cambodia’s opposition have spent the last few days crossing Southeast Asia in an attempt to return to Cambodia – a return promised by their exiled leader Sam Rainsy.
Their destination is the northwestern region of Poipet, a border town known for its casinos and a key conduit for trade with Thailand.
An uneasy calm will welcome Cambodia National Rescue Party members, if they were to reach Poipet, after mixed security forces have garrisoned the town in anticipation of Sam Rainsy’s return.
Prime Minister Hun Sen Sends Another Warning To CNRP Supporters
Prime Minister Hun Sen on Thursday again threatened Cambodia National Rescue Party supporters to stay away from opposition leader Sam Rainsy’s planned return to Cambodia, threatening further arrests for anyone assisting the exiled leader.
The prime minster was speaking at a development strategy event in Phnom Penh and even mocked Sam Rainsy, saying he was too cowardly to return to Cambodia.
“On the day of November 9, this person will be in Paris. On what authority will he come to arrest Hun Sen here?” Hun Sen said, referring to Sam Rainsy.
CNRP Leaders, Supporters Face ASEAN Blockade Over Planned Return
Ngoeum Keatha’s family heaved a sigh of relief in their Sihanoukville home after she and fellow opposition youth activist Heng Seangleng were released by Malaysian immigration officials after being detained in Kuala Lumpur.
The family is hesitant to speak about the incident and are worried it could affect Ngoeum Keatha or the family. Malaysian authorities also detained opposition leader Mu Sochua, who was making her way to Thailand to meet Cambodia National Rescue Party acting president Sam Rainsy, after which they planned to return to Cambodia via a border crossing.
The opposition has planned to return to Cambodia on November 9 and start a people’s movement to remove Prime Minister Hun Sen from office.
Increased Expectations in Phnom Penh, Concerns about Potential Political Violence, as Politics in Cambodia Churn
Political tensions are simmering in Cambodia. While most people are going about their everyday lives, there is an undercurrent of apprehension. Saturday is the day longtime opposition leader Sam Rainsy pegged as he planned date to return to Cambodia, potentially ending nearly four years of exile.
Sam Rainsy has been in exile since 2015, when an arrest warrant was issued for him, causing him to remain in self-imposed exile. Since then, Cambodian courts have found him guilty on multiple charges, which he says are trumped up.
In August, he announced his planned return to Cambodia on Independence Day, Nov. 9, to be accompanied by Cambodia National Rescue Party colleagues.
Political scientist Lao Mong Hay, the former director of the Khmer Institute for Democracy,said both sides needed to soften the rhetoric and give negotiations a chance.
“[People] want the politicians and leaders to reconcile,” Lao Mong Hay said. “So, why don’t we solve this issue?”