Say Phouthang: Memories and Reflections of the Representative of Contemporary Thai-Cambodian Relations

Abstract

Say Phouthang is a Thai resident in Cambodia or "Thai Koh Kong" who has played an important role in Cambodian politics after the fall of Khmer Rouge. He was a highly respected by both Thais and Cambodians. He was a Vice President of the People's Republic of Cambodia. He supported Hun Sen as a prime minister because he sees leadership ability of Hun Sen to manage the country under 4 faction’s circumstances. The purposes of this research are to study the role of Say on the political events of Cambodia and Thailand and to understand the history between Trat and Koh Kong provinces which Say was involved as “Thai two lands man” by using historical research methodology from primary and secondary sources. The research shown that the role of Say and Thai Koh Kong movement, it contributed to strengthening Thai -Cambodian relations during international politics conflictsespecially during the peace process in Cambodia. The “Thai twolands man” still has a close relationship as reflecting a goodmemory through Say.