On 3/8, Hun Sen announced on social media his decision to expel 30-year-old Thy Sovantha from the Cambodian People's Party (CPP). He also removed her from her position as deputy mayor of Arey Ksat town and from her government role.

"We don't have time to educate undisciplined officials while we need to focus on the country's issues. Thy Sovantha has repeatedly posted inappropriate messages on Facebook," Hun Sen wrote.

Former deputy mayor of Arey Ksat town, Thy Sovantha. Photo: Facebook/Thy Sovantha

Former deputy mayor of Arey Ksat town, Thy Sovantha. Photo: Facebook/Thy Sovantha

The Cambodian Senate president said he had called Sovantha a few days prior, asking her to delete two Facebook posts. However, she continued to post messages "insulting the military".

"As the head of the ruling party, I have the right to do this to maintain discipline among all party members," Hun Sen said regarding his decision to expel Sovantha.

The former deputy mayor of Arey Ksat town had previously posted on social media that most Cambodian soldiers on the front lines "suffer from health problems such as high blood pressure, obesity, stomach ulcers, as well as liver and kidney diseases," primarily due to alcohol consumption.

This message came after 5 days of border clashes between Cambodian and Thai forces. Several Cambodian soldiers were killed or captured during the heightened border tensions.

Sovantha is known for her large social media following, with around 2.5 million followers on Facebook. She was appointed deputy mayor of Arey Ksat town in Kandal province in 2023.

After being expelled from the party and losing her position, Sovantha posted a message on Facebook emphasizing Hun Sen's immense kindness and stating that "under any circumstances, you are still like a father and mother who saved my life."

Ngoc Anh (Khmer Times, Thai PBS, Thai Examiner)