Thailand and Cambodia, who are the families and scions fuelling tensions
Behind the rekindling of tensions are not only territorial disputes between the two countries. But two influential families and two scions
2' min read
2' min read
From our correspondent
NEW DELHI - Behind the rekindling of tensions between Thailand and Cambodia are not only the territorial disputes between the two countries. But two influential families and two scions not yet up to the roles that their birthplaces have bestowed on them. The families in question are those of Hun Sen, Cambodia's unchallenged strongman for decades, and Thaksin Shinawatra, the Tlc tycoon, former Thai prime minister and founder of a controversial political dynasty.
Officially, the two have taken a step back for some time. The 72-year-old Hun Sen to prepare for the succession of his son and prime minister Hun Manet. Thaksin Shinawatra, 75, because he was crippled by his judicial problems and his complicated relations with the Thai establishment, to say the least. That is why he lastly sent ahead his daughter Paetongtarn, premier currently suspended by the Constitutional Court.
The similarities, however, end there.
For while 47-year-old Hun Manet - who has a PhD in economics - keeps a low profile and it is quite clear to all that Hun Sen is still in charge in Cambodia, 38-year-old Shinawatra - who instead has a less lofty master's degree in hotel management - has stepped into the role of premier with more élan, but with not always happy results.
