Hun Sen Recalls 1998 Assassination Attempt, Cites It as Catalyst for Consolidating Power

PHNOM PENH, Sept 24, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen has stated that an attempted attack on his life 28 years ago shaped his decision to consolidate power and end decades of conflict. In a statement issued on September 24, Samdech Techo described the 1998 assailants as "political attackers." He explained that the attempt, which occurred shortly after the general election, forced him to abandon his plans to step down as prime minister. He recalled that senior figures of the ruling Cambodian People's Party had opposed the idea during a Standing Committee meeting at his Ta Khmao residence in July 1998, as he had intended to resign by 2003. The subsequent attack, he said, solidified his resolve to strengthen his hold on power and pursue peace. Samdech Techo Hun Sen served as prime minister for nearly 38 years, from January 1985 until August 2023, when his son Hun Manet succeeded him following the general election and formation of a new government. Reflecting on his earlier prediction that he would become the father of a prime minister, Samdech Techo noted that the forecast had been fulfilled, with Hun Manet now more than three years in office. He said his influence had not ended with his departure from the premiership. He remains president of the Cambodian People's Party and heads the Senate, vowing to continue resisting what he called efforts to remove the Hun family from politics. The 1998 attack occurred amid tense negotiations over government formation following the July election.