(1) No matter what the situation is, even COVID-19, Cambodia does not place the country in a state of emergency or martial law or general military draft
Before proceeding to adopting the proposed laws, (please) let me remind you of this point a little. The last (amendment of some articles in the Constitution) was made in 2022. At that time, as Prime Minister, I assigned HE Keut Rith to prepare amendments to address various shortcomings, including issues related to the organization, appointment of the government, and appointment of the Prime Minister, such as the issue of permanent vacancy of the position of Prime Minister, whereby the cabinet needs to be reorganized, etc., in which there are loopholes. HE Keut Rith had then raised the point (of revoking citizenship), but I suggest that “the time has not yet come for us to do it.”
I remember that our country, from early on, even when there was a serious situation, we never put the country in a state of emergency or martial law or declared a general draft. We did not do it. Even during COVID-19, we never declared a state of emergency, while countries around the world have declared so. What we are doing now is because the time has come. We all cold have been aware now the kind of situation that we are facing. I think if there were no border situation between Cambodia and Thailand, we would not have needed to do this (amendment to Article 33 of the Constitution).
(2) Preventing acts of collusion with foreign countries, destroying one’s own nation, is the goal (of the law on revocation of nationality)
On this point, I clearly remember that on June 27, in the provincial capital of Preah Vihear, I proposed to look into (this amendment). It is our good fortune that the National Assembly and the Royal Government have done this work. As HE Keut Rith mentioned, what we need to see is the scope or goal here as it is clearly stated that no citizen should be deprived of their rights if they have not done something against their own national interests. In this regard, HE Kong Monika, if you do not betray the nation, there is no need to worry. HE Seng Maradi also does not need to be afraid if you do not betray the nation.
What is the definition of treason? It has nothing to do with the right to expression as an opposition party. Expressing one’s opinion is not a treason. Acts that conspire with a foreign country to destroy one’s own country are the target (of this law). So, what is there to fear? Those who conspire with a foreign country are the target. Besides, we need to see the scope (of the coverage). Here, as HE Keut Rith mentioned, have any of you thought about the matter of nationalization. Now, dozens of foreign nationalities have acquired Khmer citizenship.
(3) Granting citizenship to foreigners but not yet being able to revoke it
The Royal Government has come to this point. Some foreigners have become our citizens and have gone to serve abroad against us. So far, we have no right to punish them by revoking their Cambodian citizenship. Now, let me give you an example. Thais who have become Cambodian citizens return to their homeland and give money to Thai soldiers to fight with us. Should we revoke their citizenship or not? I want to ask this directly. Please do not forget our painful past on this point, both by the Cambodian nationals and foreigners. This is a point you need to think about. Sometimes, a foreigner who comes to Cambodia has become Cambodian national, but takes information from us and gives it to foreign countries. What should we do? Of course, for these people, we do not need to revoke their nationality. They must be arrested, tried and imprisoned in Cambodia. But the danger is when they flee abroad after committing sabotage or terrorism. Have you thought about this?
(4) Whoever conspires with Thailand now will bear the legal measures (of revoking citizenship)
You may have thought only about one side of the issue. You may want to hold a demonstration, but you must clearly understand what kind of treason is involved? It is not that we are going to revoke the citizenship of this/that person (as we like). There must be sufficient conditions stipulated in the law. Do we still remember the history in our past, when the owner of a house in Battambang – Lok Majas – which Thailand is currently renovating, brought some provinces of Cambodia into the territory of Siam? Do you all remember? History repeats itself. It happens again and again. This time, while the Cambodian-Thailand border has not been resolved, especially the four points that are prone to clashing between Cambodia and Thailand, we have submitted to the International Court of Justice in The Hague. Let’s look at who is conspiring with Thailand now. That person will bear (the legal measures of revoking nationality that we are discussing).
(5) Have countries with laws to revoke citizenship, including nine of them in ASEAN, committed genocide?
Let’s be honest from now on, some politicians in Thailand have claimed that “they will let these people organize armed forces in Thailand.” So, where is the ASEAN principle (of not allowing one’s territory to be used against other states)? That’s the first. Secondly, should Cambodia revoke the citizenship of the leaders of this force? (If you are concerned about) human rights, you should ask the 150 countries that have laws to revoke citizenship. Do those countries respect human rights? You may ask the United Nations and the European Union […] They claim that (this law of) Cambodia (would lead to) genocide. If so, have all the countries that have laws to revoke citizenship, including nine of them in ASEAN, with only Cambodia not yet on the list, committed genocide? Ta Suj (the monk in Thailand) said only a few words, the Thai authority has already revoked his citizenship. What is the point? Why can others do it but not Cambodia? Please give me the answer.
(6) To lose no Cambodian citizenship, one must not collude with foreigners to commit treason against and destroy own nation
I congratulate the effort because this law is an organizational law. If it is an organic law, it must be adopted (by a 2/3 majority vote). So, this law cannot be changed. If anyone doesn’t want to lose their Cambodian citizenship, they must not collude with foreigners to commit acts of treason against and destroy their own nation. Does the type of spy who provides information to foreigners have to be stripped of citizenship? Is it related to treason? For example, burning down an arms depot and then fleeing abroad. If they are in the country, they don’t have to be stripped of their citizenship, after being arrested, they are sent to court and after being found guilty, they go to prison. But in the case of fleeing abroad, if we don’t have this law, we will not be able to strip them of the citizenship. That’s the point I’m just clarifying to avoid any ambiguity, because people are only worried about stripping them of their citizenship. If you’re afraid of stripping them of their citizenship, don’t conspire with foreigners to commit treason.
(7) Establishing armed forces on Thai soil is against ASEAN principles and is treason
Let me tell you frankly, if someone establishes armed forces on Thai soil, firstly, it is against the ASEAN principles that do not use their territory against other states. Secondly, that person is treasonous. Everyone takes up arms to oppose a state (which is an aggressor, but they that person) joins forces with a foreign country that is fighting against their own nation, and increase their strength to fight against their own nation. Is this a crime of treason or a crime of expressing opinions? There is no crime in expressing opinions in cases where the opinions you express are in the nature of advocacy. But if the opinions you expressed are in the nature of destroying the nation, you will be punished. If it happens in the country, that is easy. If it is happening abroad, that is a matter of (considering) revoking citizenship.
(8) If it were not for Preah Borom Ratanak Kaod, Cambodia would probably have been part of the French overseas territories until now
We must see that His Majesty the Father (Preah Borom Rattanak Kaod) led the royal crusade to demand independence (from France). Without His Majesty, we would not be here today. Maybe we were still a French overseas territory. There are plenty of French overseas territories in the Asia-Pacific region. Cambodia would be a part of French territory until now. Why did the Lon Nol administration punish the King Father by revoking his citizenship? In fact, it was Lon Nol who should have been stripped of his citizenship because he conspired with foreigners to destroy his country. It was Lon Nol who conspired with foreigners and called in foreign troops […] The country was at peace. Why bring in foreign troops to destroy it? They used to mobilize the Allied forces in World War II to fight Fascist Hitler to save countries throughout Europe and Asia, until the US dropped the atomic bomb on Japan […] When I met with the Commander-in-Chief of the Japanese Army and the envoy of the Japanese Prime Minister, I said to him, “The issue between Cambodia and Thailand regarding territory is complicated.”
(9) Let us remember and dare to speak the truth of history
There is a French-Siamese Convention of 1904 and a French-Siamese Treaty of 1907, attached with a map, but the Thai side always harbors ambitions to take Cambodian land. When Japan had the advantage (let me remind you of this point), according to the Franco-Siamese Convention of 1904, Trat province, which was under French colonial rule, fell to Cambodia, and another province in Laos (sorry, I can’t remember the name) was on the French side, but Siem Reap, Battambang, and Serei Sophon went to Thailand. In 1907, France and Siam signed an agreement to hand over Trat province and another province in Laos to Thailand, with Thailand handing over Siem Reap, Battambang, Preah Vihear, and Serei Sophon to Cambodia. That is why there has been a map since then. When Japan had the advantage, there was this Treaty of Tokyo, in which some provinces of Cambodia, including Siem Reap, Battambang, Preah Vihear, part of Kampong Thom, and part of Stung Treng, fell to Siam. Fortunately, Japan lost the war, so the Washington Agreement was signed, in which these territories were returned to Cambodia. Let us remember that and dare to speak the truth of history.
(10) Time to strengthen loyalty to nation by urging people to put national interest first
Now, we are moving towards a goal of strengthening our nation and of our people to be loyal to our nation by constantly urging them to put the national interest first. Have those who criticize this law seen that our national interests are facing territorial invasion? These days, they want to build a fence around Ta Moan Thom. Look at it. They are threatening to attack Siem Reap, Battambang, and all the way to Phnom Penh. They have gone this far to threaten us. Are the Cambodian people really sheep? After the era of Preah Borom Ratanak Kaod, now is the era of His Majety the King Norodom Sihamoni, where there was Techo era, and now the Techo-Thipadei era. I do not underestimate war, but we are preparing for a war that would come, including preparing this law so that there would be no traitors. If there are any in the country, the traitors will be imprisoned. If the traitor is abroad, that person, including foreigners who have become Cambodian citizens, must (have) been stripped of their citizenship. Sometimes, Thais become Cambodian citizens and go to serve Thailand. Should we strip them of their citizenship or not? […]
(11) Without Hun Sen, Thaksin could not have entered the country and even Southeast Asia
Yesterday, I posted (on social media) that “Thaksin should remember how he secretly gave me documents in connection with the Abhisit-led government. Thaksin was wrong” […] Today, I will say a little more […] Thaksin said, “I regret that I have befriended with the wrong people.” Thaksin was very mistaken. Without Hun Sen, he could not have entered the country and come to Southeast Asia. Does Thaksin want me to release it? Thaksin sent Abhisit’s documents to me. You have a crime related to treason against the Thai people yourself. I have the documents. I can talk for 3 to 4 hours if you want (me to release it).
Last night, I saw a video on TikTok about my announcement in 2010 that I would not accept Thai money to build National Road 68. I saved it. I did not accept the Thai money that they lend to Cambodia to build National Road 68. I went to Siem Reap and met with Siang Nam. He had just come from having breakfast. Sieng Nam said, “The motorcycle taxi drivers said, ‘why do we rely on Thai money. Can we not do it ourselves?’” They said they were willing to participate (in providing funds for the state to build its own roads). I called Aun Pornmonirath. At that time, he was the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Can our money afford it? He said yes, we could.
(12) Documents that led to accepting no funds from Thai government to build Road 68 was given by Thaksin
I announced that I would not accept Thai funds to build that road. Abhisit, who was the Prime Minister at the time and was in Songkhla Province, called me and asked, “Why didn’t you accept the money from Thailand to build the road?” I said, “I didn’t accept it because I received specific information that you were withholding money and delaying the issue for Cambodia.” So, where did I get that document from? I got it from Thaksin, who secretly gave me the document. There were several scenarios. Thaksin should not be confused.
Your child insulted me, so I had to do this. The NIKKEI newspaper made a prediction about why Hun Sen did that. The NIKKEI newspaper made a correct conclusion that Hun Sen did that because he wanted to resolve the unresolved border issue while he is still in power. That’s correct. I want to resolve this issue. I don’t want war. Going to the International Court of Justice in The Hague is a peaceful resolution. Bilateral negotiations are also a peaceful resolution. There is no other option. There are only two options for the four areas – Mom Tei, Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Toch and Ta Krobei – either going to court to have the cases decided, or fighting over land […]
(13) Recognize the jurisdiction of the international court or not, countries should understand Cambodia’s position
I appeal to all foreign countries who respect the law to understand Cambodia’s position, whether you accept or do not recognize the jurisdiction of the international court of Justice. Those who say that Cambodia should show evidence of its lawsuit, I already spoke in Preah Vihear province. You cannot make fun of the court case. Not to mention the international court, even the local court, they never release documents for viewing […] Your actions would cause disaster for Cambodia’s national interests. A lawsuit, especially each related document, must be kept away from the public. The other party is not informed. If someone gives the document to the other party in advance to prepare for the hearing, they will be considered a crime.
I haven’t done anything yet, they have been (crying about violations) of human rights and democracy, but where is the national interest? This Senate has two presidents before me. The previous two Senate presidents were very gentle. This time, the president is not gentle. There is no law that prohibits the Senate President from speaking […] We are waiting to see what kind of protests are being planned in Korea. I got the clip. I listened to the Zoom meeting yesterday. It’s not that this side is silent. Your voice is on my phone, but I don’t post it […] Being a state doesn’t mean we don’t know anything. If one doesn’t know what human rights is, one can’t be in power for almost half a century.
(14) If one is treasonous, even as a member of the Senate, immunity will be stripped and handcuff will be on
Do those who live in the country every day have human rights? They can go anywhere and do whatever they want every day. Are those rights? They say it as if Cambodia does not know international law. I hope that HE Kong Monika and HE Seng Maradi (both f whom are the members of the Senate) do not be cold with me. I need to speak because you issued a statement on Facebook. I also need to speak clearly with you. (You may do whatever, but) just do not betray the nation. If it is treason, there is no need to revoke citizenship. (Decision will be made by a 2/3 majority vote to) remove immunity and handcuff is on from the Senate immediately […] I still remember the removal of Hong Sun Hour’s immunity. Hong Sun Hour is a member of the Senate. He was followed as he ran into the French embassy, but was not accepted. Wearing the Senate pin so that he would not be arrested.
That was not it. Where the person is caught in the act of an actual crime, s/he must be arrested. I say this not to threaten anyone, but let’s be clear. Send a message to those abroad and those countries that criticize Cambodia. Look at yourself. Does your own country have a law on revoking citizenship? America, France, England, etc. A few years ago, ISIS born in England also revoked their citizenship. Germany also revoked their citizenship. In 2022, there was a coup plot in Germany. There were also arrests of some people, including arrests for providing information to Russia. There have been many cases like these in Europe. Are they arresting those people? They do. If they do, why not let the Cambodians do it too?
(15) The person revoking nationality from the King Father is the one who conspired to bring foreign troops into Cambodia
His Majesty, the King Father, Preah Borom Ratanak Kaod did the right thing. Regarding those persons like Sam Sary, Son Ngoc Thanh, Dap Chuon, etc. if he didn’t do it, would he let these people insult him? It is a crime of treason. That’s the way it is. In the end, they found a way to overthrow His Majesty. This is the lesson of the past. We cannot change the past, but the lesson of the past warns us to be careful and act in preparation for this. This is not a new thing for Cambodia. It has been there since the popular socialist era, or even before the popular socialist era, or since the French era. Lon Nol sentenced His Majesty and revoked his nationality, claiming that HM conspired with foreigners. However, those who conspired with foreigners are those who brought foreigners to overthrow the legitimate power through a coup and sent troops into Cambodia.
My speech is a little loud, but if Hun Sen speaks, his voice would surprise people around. Today, Bangkok will be surprised again. It is a reminder for Thaksin Shinawatra in Bangkok. I am not admonishing anyone, but Thaksin, should not be rude to me. That I did not accept financial assistance from the Abhisit Vejjajiva’s government was because Thaksin gave me the document, which revealed how they prepare the different scenarios, including the money package (for building) Road No. 68. At that time, the tender was already made. The government gave the project to someone, there must be 20% […] and we built it ourselves. The (military) engineering team took up the job immediately. That is all I have to say./.