Natthaphong Urges Govt to Avoid Hun Sen’s ‘Trap’, Advocates Diplomacy and Scammer Crackdown Over All-Out War

Brickinfo News Agency – Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, Leader of the People’s Party, has cautioned the government against falling into a strategic trap laid by Cambodian leader Hun Sen, warning that relying solely on military force will not resolve the ongoing Thailand-Cambodia border conflict. Speaking at the Future Forward Building on December 9, 2025, Natthaphong proposed a multi-dimensional approach that prioritizes diplomatic pressure and the eradication of call center scam networks—which he identifies as the financial lifeline of the Hun Sen regime—over an escalation of warfare that places Thailand at risk of being condemned by the international community as an aggressor.

Addressing the situation on the third day of clashes, Natthaphong expressed deep concern for the more than 100,000 residents across six provinces who have been forced to evacuate, leaving behind homes and livestock. He offered condolences to the families of the three Thai soldiers killed in action and the many others injured. He emphasized that these losses, along with the deaths of 17 civilians and 18 soldiers during the previous conflict in July, were avoidable. He argued that the current skirmishes are a diversionary tactic employed by Hun Sen following the recent asset seizures of his close associates—Ben Smith, Yim Leang, Kok An, and Chen Zhi—who manage vast casino and scamming empires. By provoking a full-scale military response, Hun Sen aims to shift the global narrative from his regime’s criminal activities to painting Thailand as a bully attacking a weaker nation.

Natthaphong criticized Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul for his stance on refusing peace talks, calling it dangerous for the country. Citing the Deputy Commander of the 2nd Army Region, Major General Nat Sri-in, who noted that all wars end in negotiation, Natthaphong urged the government to reverse course. He argued that rejecting dialogue plays into Hun Sen’s hands. Instead, Thailand should utilize the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) to enforce the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement and prove Cambodia’s violation of international terms. Diplomatic channels must be used to de-escalate military tension while rallying international cooperation to isolate Cambodia based on its protection of transnational crime syndicates.

The People’s Party leader outlined a three-pronged strategy for a sustainable “Endgame.” First, military operations must remain a measure of last resort and be strictly proportional to defend sovereignty without violating international law. Second, diplomacy must lead the way to force Cambodia back to the negotiating table. Third, and most critically, the government must launch a “world surrounds Cambodia” strategy by rooting out the scammer gangs. Natthaphong insisted that the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) must seize the assets of Thai nationals involved in these networks, not just foreigners. He concluded that destroying the financial core of the scamming industry is the only way to achieve lasting peace and stop the cycle of violence that holds Thai citizens and soldiers hostage to political games.