Cambodia's Sam Rainsy promises to return Saturday despite facing arrest
The political activist posted an image of his Paris-Bangkok flight ticket on Twitter. However, Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha reacted by saying he would not be allowed entry en route to Cambodia.
Cambodian opposition party founder Sam Rainsy vowed on Wednesday to return to his homeland to head protests against the one-party rule of Prime Minister Hun Sen, whom he described as "a brutal dictator."
Rainsy, who is due to arrive on Saturday, said he plans to lead a "people-power" movement to usurp longtime PM Hun Sen, but the Cambodian government has said this would be tantamount to a coup attempt. Officials said Cambodia National Rescue Movement (CNRP) leaders would be arrested upon arrival. The CNRP was dissolved in November 2017 by the Southeast Asian country's Supreme Court.
Determined to return
Rainsy appeared undeterred as he posted a video message on Twitter. "For those of you who know me, this may just be the last time you will see me alive as a free man," he said.
He also tweeted a photo of his plane ticket from Paris to Bangkok but this drew short shrift from Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha.
When asked by reporters about Sam Rainsy, Prayuth said: "According to our commitment to ASEAN, we will not allow an anti-government person to use Thailand for activism. I have ordered this, so he probably won't get in."
Read more: Cambodian prisoners released to placate the West?
Rainsy escaped to France four years ago after being found guilty of criminal defamation.
He says he has done nothing wrong, citing politically motivated reasons for the charges.
jsi/aw (Reuters, AFP, dpa)
Each evening at 1830 UTC, DW's editors send out a selection of the day's hard news and quality feature journalism. You can sign up to receive it directly here.
ASEAN summit: Asia trade bloc deal 'expected' in February 2020
Plans to sign the world's largest free trade pact at a regional summit in Bangkok have been thrown into doubt after objections from India. China, hurt by its trade war with the US, is keen to see the deal finalized. (03.11.2019)
Cambodia cracks down on activists as opposition leader plans return
At least 30 opposition activists have been arrested this year and accused of plotting to overthrow the Cambodian government before the planned return from self-exile of Sam Rainsy, the main opposition leader. (18.10.2019)
Are Cambodian political prisoners being released to placate the West?
Many Cambodian political prisoners have been released recently as the EU considers a resolution condemning the country's slide into authoritarianism. DW spoke with an opposition politician about his incarceration. (17.09.2018)
Cambodian opposition leader stares down jail threat
Cambodian opposition leader Sam Rainsy is set to be arrested tonight, having vowed to return from South Korea to face a warrant issued on Friday. David Boyle reports from Phnom Penh. (16.11.2015)
DW's newsletter
Audios and videos on the topic
ASEAN leaders meet to talk trade
Related Subjects Cambodia
Keywords Sam Rainsy, Cambodia, Thailand, Prayuth Chan-ocha
Permalink https://p.dw.com/p/3SX74
The struggle continues for Thailand's opposition 13.01.2020
Rumblings of discontent against Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha are growing louder less than a year after a disputed election saw the junta chief return as head of government. His critics are now getting creative.
Cambodia: Opposition leader Kem Sokha goes on trial 15.01.2020
The trial of the prominent Cambodian opposition leader on treason charges has been seen as a sign that democracy is under threat in a country ruled by strongman Hun Sen for 35 years. Critics say the trial is a "circus."
Thailand: Thousands rally against pro-military government 14.12.2019
Thousands of people have taken to the streets in Bangkok to protest against the banning of a prominent opposition party that has challenged the government of former military ruler Prayuth Chan-ocha.