According to the Khmer Times on August 6, Cambodian authorities revealed an intelligence report from a foreign agency alleging that the Thai military planned to assassinate former Prime Minister Hun Sen and his son, current Prime Minister Hun Manet, using light attack aircraft equipped with GPS-guided bombs.
The report claims that on July 29, Thailand acquired eight AT-6TH light attack aircraft and 200 KGGB guided bombs made in the ‘Republic of Korea (ROK).’ In addition, four previously deployed aircraft sent to ROK for repairs and rearmament were returned. Both the AT-6TH and KGGB are considered highly accurate and difficult to detect, making them suitable for surgical strike operations.
A source told the Khmer Times that “They are allegedly awaiting internal intelligence to provide the exact coordinates of the residences of Mr Hun Sen and Mr Hun Manet, at which point they plan to launch a surprise strike using these munitions to complete the assassination mission.”
The intelligence report also noted that the Thai Air Force tested the aircraft and munitions near Phnom Trap, close to the Preah Vihear Temple area controlled by Cambodia.
However, Khmer Times did not disclose which country the intelligence agency behind the report belongs to.
Since July 29, the two countries have been observing a ceasefire and are currently in negotiations in Kuala Lumpur under the mediation of Malaysia, the current ASEAN (The Association of Southeast Asian Nations) chair. The release of the report by Cambodian authorities is expected to impact the ongoing peace talks between Thailand and Cambodia.
