Cambodian army investigates ‘coup’ plot against Hun Sen

PHNOM PENH: Cambodia's military is investigating a suspected coup plot against Prime Minister Hun Sen, a defence ministry official said yesterday, amid rising political tension in the Southeast Asian country.
The army investigation centres on a man who announced plans to topple Hun Sen on Facebook and in YouTube videos, and called on others to join his cause, defence ministry spokesman Chhum Sucheat said.
"The authorities are investigating and looking for him," Chhum Sucheat said.
He identified the man as Vichea Som but declined to give further details.
News of the plot comes a day after a senior US official responsible for human rights urged Cambodia's political rivals to return to negotiations amid a "deteriorating situation".
In the video, Vichea Som is dressed in a business suit and tie with a camouflage background visible in the footage.
He did not identify himself but accused Hun Sen's government and his ruling Cambodian People's Party of being behind big land grabs in one of Southeast Asia's poorest countries. He also accused the government of high-profile killings and human rights abuses.
"In the near future, please all forces be ready against the dictatorial regime," the man said.
He did not specifically call for a coup or threaten to organise a coup in the video clip.
It was not clear where he was speaking from but he said he belonged to a "unit" based in southwestern Cambodia.
The Facebook page bearing the name Vichea Som showed the same man. He did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent via Facebook.
Hun Sen has ruled with an iron fist for more than 30 years, defeating all challenges to his authority, but he faces a young electorate which appears increasingly hungry for change.— Reuters