Phnom Penh:Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has challenged opposition politician Um Sam An to a face-to-face debate regarding allegations about the Cambodia-Thailand border.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the Prime Minister issued the challenge in response to Um Sam An's claims that temporary boundary markers between markers 52 and 59 encroached upon Cambodian territory. Um Sam An, previously jailed for spreading unfounded claims about border issues, has accused the Royal Government of ceding land to Thailand for peace and power.
Prime Minister Hun Manet condemned these allegations as grave and unacceptable, asserting they slander Cambodian border officials. To address the claims, he extended a five-point offer for a direct dialogue with Um Sam An and his team. This includes bringing all relevant documents to an open discussion with Cambodian border experts, with the debate accessible to journalists and other observers.
The Prime Minister assured security for Um Sam An during his stay in Cambodia and offered assistance with travel and accommodation. He emphasized that the invitation aims to demonstrate transparency and accountability, not confrontation, and expressed hope that Um Sam An would seize the opportunity to present his evidence.