# The deadly clash of two waning political dynasties

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/asean/cambodia/236324-the-deadly-clash-of-two-waning-political-dynasties
- Published: 2025-07-27T22:28:28+07:00
- Author: Olivier Languepin

The dispute over the disputed border between Thailand and Cambodia, rooted in more
than a century of colonial-era map disputes, has already led to deadly fighting.

But it is the growing animosity between former allies and political figures Hun 
Sen and Thaksin Shinawatra that has aggravated tensions between Thailand and Cambodia,
to the point of provoking an open war.

ADVERTISEMENT

### A fierce rivalry between two influential political figures.

Hun Sen, 72, and Thaksin Shinawatra, 76, former leaders of Cambodia and Thailand,
once had such a close friendship that they considered each other brothers. Over 
the years, Hun Sen has supported Thaksin’s family in their long struggle for power
against the Thai army.

Thaksin and his sister Yingluck stayed at Hun Sen’s house after they were ousted
from power. Subsequently, Hun Sen appointed Thaksin as economic adviser to the Cambodian
government. Thaksin visited Cambodia frequently, and Hun Sen was the first foreign
guest to meet the former Thai leader after his return to the country, marking the
end of more than 15 years of self-imposed exile.

Hun Sen and Thaksin are no longer in power in their respective countries, but their
influence remains considerable. **Hun Sen ruled Cambodia for nearly 40 years before
handing over in 2023 to his eldest son, Hun Manet**, who became prime minister after
elections widely criticized for their lack of real competition. **As for Thaksin,
his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, became prime minister last year, continuing
her family’s political legacy.**

Relations between the two clans have deteriorated considerably in recent months.
While the precise causes of the conflict remain unclear, experts agree that the 
rising tensions have exacerbated instability over a long-standing territorial dispute,
intensifying violent clashes on the borders of neighboring nations.

### Hun Sen, the “uncle” who targeted the Shinawatra girl

Last month, the extent of their dispute came to light when Hun Sen leaked a recording
of a phone conversation with Paetongtarn Shinawatra. During the exchange on the 
border dispute, Paetongtarn referred to Hun Sen as “uncle” and assured him that 
if she needed anything, she would “take care of it.” Aggravating circumstance: she
also made unflattering remarks against a senior Thai military commander.

The release of the recording sparked controversy in Thailand. His opponents accuse
him of prioritizing his family ties to the detriment of national interests, accusing
him of giving in to Cambodia. Suspended from her duties by the Constitutional Court
in July, she is being investigated for ethical violations.

Some analysts believe that Hun Sen may seek to strengthen nationalism within the
country in order to shore up support for his son, Hun Manet.

[Another interpretation comes from exiled Cambodian opposition leader Sam Rainsy](https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Comment/Hun-Sen-s-gamble-Why-Cambodia-ex-ruler-turned-on-Thai-ally-Thaksin),
now based in France. He argues that Hun Sen may be alarmed by Thailand’s crackdown
on Chinese-run cyber scam operations along the border — companies that Rainsy says
have become “a key source of illicit funding for the current regime in Phnom Penh.”

### Related**Posts**

###  󠀁[Building ASEAN+3 Resilience Amid Converging Economic, Climate and Cyber Risks](https://www.thailand-business-news.com/opinion/335385-building-asean3-resilience-amid-converging-economic-climate-and-cyber-risks)󠁿

###  󠀁[Beyond Food Security: Tapping into Brunei’s Agri-Food Opportunities](https://www.thailand-business-news.com/opinion/337082-beyond-food-security-tapping-into-bruneis-agri-food-opportunities)󠁿

###  󠀁[Asia’s Economic Cycles Turn Inward as Regional Finance Gains Influence](https://www.thailand-business-news.com/opinion/333558-asias-economic-cycles-turn-inward-as-regional-finance-gains-influence)󠁿

###  󠀁[How ASEAN+3 Can Build Resilience to Energy Shocks](https://www.thailand-business-news.com/opinion/336402-how-asean3-can-build-resilience-to-energy-shocks)󠁿

It is not known why Hun Sen turned against his former allies. He accused Thaksin
of treason and threatened to divulge other sensitive information about the Shinawatras.“
I never imagined that someone so close could act like this,” Thaksin said afterward,
claiming that their friendship was permanently broken.

Hun Sen, regardless of his motivation, has successfully undermined Thaksin’s influence,
exploited the discord between his family and the military, and fostered a power 
vacuum in Thailand.