Mon Oct 06 16:23:55 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten news article based on it:
**Summary:**
Former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen condemned a social media video showing a man in Thailand shooting at his image during a carnival game. This incident occurs amidst ongoing tensions between Cambodia and Thailand stemming from a disputed border, which previously led to deadly clashes. Hun Sen called the action disgraceful but urged Cambodians not to retaliate against Thai businesses or citizens in Cambodia. However, he also suggested a boycott of Thai goods and currency by Cambodians who are unhappy with Thailand.
**News Article:**
**Tensions Flare as Hun Sen Condemns Carnival Shooting of His Image in Thailand**
*Phnom Penh, Cambodia – October 6, 2025* – Former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has publicly condemned a social media video depicting a man in Thailand shooting at a depiction of him at a carnival. The incident threatens to further strain already fraught relations between the two Southeast Asian nations, which have been simmering due to a long-standing border dispute.
The video, shared by Hun Sen himself, shows a man aiming an air rifle at a target bearing the former leader’s image in a carnival game booth. The booth features plushie prizes hanging above the target and the word “WANTED” printed on the target itself.
“This is disgraceful and immoral behavior,” Hun Sen stated, urging Cambodians not to retaliate against Thai businesses or citizens residing in Cambodia. “I still believe that the majority of Thai people do not want to be enemies of the Cambodian people.”
However, the former prime minister also suggested a boycott of Thai goods and currency, stating that Cambodians who are hurt or unhappy with Thailand should refrain from purchasing Thai products.
The incident comes after deadly military clashes between Cambodia and Thailand in July, resulting in over 40 deaths and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people. While a ceasefire has been agreed upon, both countries have repeatedly accused each other of truce violations.
This is not the first reported instance of Hun Sen’s image being used as a target. In August, Thai media reported similar carnival games in Krabi province, featuring air guns and paper targets with the former leader’s portrait.
Cambodia previously banned imports of Thai fruits, vegetables, and fuel earlier this year, while Thailand restricted border crossings. This latest incident adds another layer of complexity to the delicate relationship between the two neighboring countries, raising concerns about potential further escalation.
First Piper 