Bangkok: Ramkhamhaeng University has unanimously decided to revoke the honorary doctorate of philosophy degree previously awarded to Samdech Hun Sen. This decision was made during the university council’s 9/2025 meeting held at the Academic Resources and Administration Building.

According to Thai News Agency, the honorary doctorate in political science was originally granted to Samdech Hun Sen during the university council’s 6/2001 meeting on July 16, 2001. The award recognized Hun Sen, then Prime Minister of Cambodia, for his efforts in fostering good neighborliness and cooperation, particularly between Cambodia and Thailand. However, recent developments have prompted a re-evaluation of this honor.

The university council cited behavior by Samdech Hun Sen, who now holds several key positions in Cambodia, that contradicts the values associated with the honorary degree. These actions include hostility towards the Thai state and support for violent armed forces against Thai citizens, resulting in casualties and damage. Additionally, Hun Sen’s actions have been linked to border conflicts with Thailand, further contravening the spirit of friendship and cooperation that the honorary degree was meant to celebrate.

The council emphasized that allowing Hun Sen to retain the honorary doctorate would misrepresent the university’s intentions in awarding it. Ramkhamhaeng University’s regulations require that honorary degree recipients demonstrate significant contributions to the nation or international community and uphold moral values. The council concluded that the revocation of the degree was necessary to maintain the integrity of the university’s honorary degree program.

As a result, the council’s decision to revoke the honorary doctorate in political science from Samdech Hun Sen is effective immediately, marking a firm stance by Ramkhamhaeng University in upholding the values associated with its honorary degrees.