(Phnom Penh): Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of Cambodia, emphasized that the ongoing dispute must not extend into other sectors or incite ethnic hatred, noting that the Thai military had unilaterally closed the Poipet border checkpoint.
Samdech Techo wrote his official social media on Saturday night (Jun. 7):
“Earlier, I saw that Duong Chhay posted a message whose main content was a call to stop using Thai products. Prime Minister Hun Manet and I have already made repeated appeals: please do not escalate the dispute to the point that it spreads into other sectors and fuels ethnic hatred.
Today, the Thai military unilaterally closed the Poipet border crossing ahead of schedule. Therefore, Thailand must take full responsibility for this action. For Cambodian citizens, it is important to remain mature and composed, and refrain from provoking any incidents.
I merely wish to remind both the Cambodian and Thai people that if Thai products are absent from the Cambodian market, it is not because Cambodians have collectively chosen to boycott them. Rather, it is the consequence of a border closure—because when people are blocked, so too are goods.
According to 2024 trade statistics, Cambodia exported more than USD 1.1 billion worth of goods to Thailand, while Thailand exported over USD 5.2 billion to Cambodia—meaning Thailand’s exports exceeded Cambodia’s by more than USD 4.1 billion. In the first five months of this year alone, Cambodia exported over USD 200 million to Thailand, while Thailand imported over USD 1.5 billion into Cambodia.
If imported goods are no longer entering Cambodia, the Thai people should resolve this matter directly with their own government, because the ones who will suffer most are the Thai people themselves.
As for Cambodian citizens, in the absence of Thai products, please do not blame the Royal Government of Cambodia, as this shortage is a direct result of Thailand’s decision to close the border. I urge all fellow Cambodians to maintain composure, maturity, patience, and politeness — but with firmness — avoiding any action that would allow foreigners to insult our dignity.”
=FRESH NEWS
