Opposition leader Sam Rainsy has never been barred from returning to Cambodia: minister

PHNOM PENH, Nov 11, 2019, The Khmer Times. Interior Minister Sar Kheng said that the Cambodian government has never barred Sam Rainsy and his colleagues from returning to the Kingdom. In his Facebook post on Saturday, Mr Kheng said that Cambodian government has never prevented Rainsy and his colleagues from entering the Kingdom, The Khmer Times reported.

“Now, no announcement has been issued by the Cambodian government to ban convict Sam Rainsy and his colleagues from entering the country,” Mr Kheng said. “It means that Cambodian government still respects and upholds the Kingdom’s constitution steadfastly and respect all the people’s rights equally.”

He said that armed forces have been deployed along the Cambodian-Thai border in a move to thwart any hostile activities undermining peace and security for the people.

“Armed forces have been deployed along the border, especially along the Cambodian-Thai border to execute the court’s warrants to arrest the rebellious group and to safeguard peace and public orders along the border but we do not close the border checkpoints”, Mr Kheng said.

Rainsy has been vowing to return to the Kingdom to restore democracy and human rights. However, the government has accused him and his allies of planning a coup. Rainsy was recently convicted in absentia for insulting King Norodom Sihamoni and demoralising the army.

At the border with Thailand, wanted posters of Rainsy and his colleagues–Eng Chhai Eang, Mu Sochua, Ou Chanrith, Ho Vann, Long Ry, Men Sothavrin, Tioulong Saumura, and Nuth Romdoul have been displayed.

Rainsy said in his Facebook post today that he arrived in Kuala Lumpur from Paris since Saturday after he was barred from entering Thailand.