"Let me be clear, I discarded all three degrees conferred upon me by Thai educational institutions a long time ago. To me, they are completely useless, not worth keeping," Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen wrote on Facebook on the evening of 22/8. He added that he received three honorary degrees from Thai universities in 2001, 2006, and 2019.

Hun Sen's statement came after Ramkhamhaeng University in Bangkok announced earlier in August that it was revoking the honorary doctorate it had awarded him. The university accused Hun Sen of "inciting violence against Thais" during recent border clashes.

"My wisdom and knowledge do not come from Thailand, but from the Cambodian people and Cambodian schools," Hun Sen continued. "If you compare the timing of these degrees with my service to the country, it's clear they contributed nothing to my achievements."

Hun Sen listed notable milestones in his career, such as becoming deputy foreign minister in 1979, deputy prime minister and foreign minister in 1981, and prime minister in 1985 at the age of 32.

"I think you should be ashamed of your assessment of my capabilities when you offered these degrees. I will instruct the publication of this information so you don't forget," Hun Sen continued. "Let me remind you, you were the ones who actively brought the degrees and praises, not the other way around. Whether to accept them or not was my decision, and I never acted blindly."

Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen speaks in Phnom Penh on 3/4. Photo: AFP.

In 2001, Ramkhamhaeng University awarded Hun Sen an honorary doctorate in political science for his contributions to peace and friendship between the two countries. Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University and Krirk University of Thailand also awarded honorary doctorates to Hun Sen in 2006 and 2019.

The Ramkhamhaeng University Council concluded on 8/8 that Hun Sen had acted contrary to these criteria and announced the revocation of his honorary doctorate. Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University and Krirk University are also facing calls for similar action, but neither university has made a decision.

Fighting between Cambodia and Thailand broke out in the disputed border area on the morning of 24/7. This was the most serious clash between the two neighbors in over 10 years, resulting in at least 43 deaths on both sides.

Cambodia and Thailand reached a ceasefire agreement on 28/7, after talks in Malaysia. Leaders of the Thai and Cambodian military regions agreed not to deploy or move additional troops along the border to enforce the ceasefire.

Nhu Tam (According to Khmer Times, Bangkok Post)