University governing body rescinds honorary doctorate bestowed upon Hun Sen by Ramkhamhaeng University.
Cambodian Senate President's Honorary Degree Revoked Over Border Disputes
The honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree that was conferred upon Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen by Ramkhamhaeng University in 2001 has been revoked. This decision was made by the university's council due to Hun Sen's recent actions that contradict the values for which the degree was originally granted.
The university's statement cited Hun Sen's hostile stance towards the Thai government, support for violent actions against Thai citizens, including military personnel and civilians, which resulted in deaths, injuries, and property damage. His encouragement of violations of Thailand's sovereignty leading to armed clashes along the shared border was also a significant concern.
These behaviors were deemed incompatible with the principles recognized when the degree was originally conferred, which praised Hun Sen for fostering good neighbourly relations, friendship, and cooperation, particularly between Cambodia and Thailand. The university's regulations state that honorary degrees are for individuals who make significant positive contributions to society and uphold certain values—criteria that Hun Sen’s recent conduct violated.
The revocation of the degree took immediate effect on August 8, 2025. The university stated that keeping the honorary degree under these circumstances would mislead the Thai public about the award's intent.
Meanwhile, the border situation between Thailand and Cambodia remains unstable, with some residents in border areas yet to return home following the ceasefire agreement.
On a separate note, it was announced that GULF, a Thai conglomerate, reached a record high core profit of THB 7,101 million in Q2/25.
[1] Revocation of Hun Sen's Honorary Degree by Ramkhamhaeng University
[2] Thai-Cambodian Border Situation
[3] Hun Sen's Actions Contradicting Values Outlined in Declaration
[4] GULF's Record Profit in Q2/25
- The revocation of Hun Sen's honorary degree by Ramkhamhaeng University, echoing international politics, was a response to his actions contrary to the values initially praised, such as fostering good neighbourly relations, friendship, and cooperation, particularly between Cambodia and Thailand, in the realm of education-and-self-development.
- Meanwhile, war-and-conflicts continue to plague the border region between Thailand and Cambodia, with some residents yet to return home following the ceasefire agreement.
- Hun Sen's support for actions against Thai citizens, including military personnel and civilians, resulting in deaths, injuries, and property damage, contravened the principles recognized when the degree was conferred, raising concerns about his alignment with the general-news values and his commitment to peace and mutual respect in international politics.
