Prime Minister Hun Sen said that his wife, Bun Rany, has health problems and he apologised to the spouses accompanying leaders attending the ASEAN Summit and related meetings next week as his wife would not be able to receive them.

In a social media post this morning, Hun Sen said: “There have been a lot of doubts regarding the absence of my wife at major events lately and during the coming ASEAN Summit. My wife has health problems related to her spine and the doctor has instructed her not to sit for too long.

“I would like to apologise to the spouses of the heads of states and governments of all countries that will come to Cambodia in the coming days that my wife will be unable to welcome you as she is receiving medical treatment,” he said.

The ASEAN Summit and related meetings will begin on November 8 and continue until November 13 in Phnom Penh.

World leaders such as US president Joe Biden, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and many others have confirmed their intentions to attend the annual diplomatic forum that will bring them together with the leaders and diplomats from all of the ASEAN member states.