(Phnom Penh): Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of Cambodia, suggested that the Cambodian government shut down the broadcasting of Thai movies and move toward suspending the import of Thai goods into Cambodia.

This suggestion is intended as a response to Thailand's recent threats to cut internet and electricity supply to Cambodia.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen wrote on his social media on Thursday night (Jun. 12) as follows:

“In the past, Thai extremist groups, supported by pro-war military factions, have threatened Cambodia with power and internet cutoffs. But what power are they referring to when Cambodia doesn't even rely on Thai electricity? And what internet, when Cambodia already has sufficient access?

I have consistently urged that military tensions in one area should not spill over into others or into different sectors. However, it is now clear that the issue has already escalated—examples include unilateral border closures, reduced length of stay for visitors, and threats to cut electricity and internet access, as well as unauthorized incursions at certain border checkpoints driven by arbitrary decisions.

Given this trend of extremism, I would like to suggest to the Royal Government that, in addition to filing a complaint with the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Cambodia should also consider suspending the broadcast of Thai films on all Cambodian television channels. The country may also consider halting the import of Thai goods altogether.

Cambodia should not fear the repatriation of Cambodian migrant workers from Thailand. This is a hardship for both countries—Thailand itself would also suffer, as Thai companies are facing labor shortages, which have already negatively impacted the Thai economy to some extent. All these points are for consideration, but the immediate action should be to stop broadcasting Thai films on Cambodian television.”
=FRESH NEWS