Latest news with #RamkhamhaengUniversity
Bangkok Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Hun Sen stripped of Thai honorary degree
Ramkhamhaeng University has revoked an honorary doctorate awarded to former Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen for taking 'violent actions against Thais'. The university council on Friday voted unanimously to revoke the honorary degree in political science it awarded in 2001. The original citation praised Hun Sen's role in promoting peace and fraternity between the two nations. However, the council stated that Hun Sen's recent conduct directly contradicts those values. He has supported and encouraged the use of severe, inhumane armed force against Thai civilians during the recent border conflict, it said. He was also accused of backing actions that violated Thailand's sovereignty, sparking armed clashes along the shared border. The council emphasised that allowing Hun Sen to retain the honour could mislead the public regarding the purpose of awarding such degrees. It concluded that the only way to nullify the original citation was to revoke the award entirely. The revocation is effective immediately.
Bangkok Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Hun Sen stripped of Thai honorary degree amid rising border tensions
Ramkhamhaeng University has officially revoked the honorary doctorate in political science previously awarded to Cambodian statesman Hun Sen, citing actions that contradict the values and intent behind the honour. The university council reached a unanimous decision during its ninth meeting of 2025, stating that Hun Sen's recent conduct undermines the principles of friendship and cooperation that formed the basis of the award. Hun Sen was granted the honorary degree in July 2001 while serving as Prime Minister of Cambodia. At the time, the university praised his efforts in fostering neighbourly relations and promoting peace between Thailand and Cambodia. The citation highlighted his role in strengthening bilateral ties and regional harmony. However, the university now asserts that Hun Sen, in his current roles—including President of the Cambodian Senate and senior military advisor—has demonstrated behaviour hostile to Thailand. The council cited his alleged support for violent military actions against Thai civilians and encroachments on Thai sovereignty, which have led to casualties and destruction along the border. These actions, the university claims, stand in stark contrast to the ideals celebrated in the original citation. The council concluded that allowing Hun Sen to retain the honorary title would misrepresent the university's values and mislead the public about the purpose of such distinctions. As a result, the honorary doctorate has been rescinded effective immediately from the date of the council's resolution.
