(Phnom Penh): In response to the recent border closure, Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen urged Thai citizens to direct their anger at their own military—not Cambodia. He stressed that it was the Thai military that unilaterally closed the border, calling the move a violation of the law.

In a special message on Monday (June 16), Samdech Techo Hun Sen urged the Thai public not to blame Cambodia for the closure of the Doung International Checkpoint. The crossing, which sees hundreds of truckloads of fruits and vegetables pass through daily to Cambodia and onward to Viet Nam, has been shut down, severely disrupting cross-border trade.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen clarified that the border closure was unrelated to any recent discussions between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and his Thai counterpart. However, he noted that the closure has disrupted all fruit and vegetable imports into Cambodia. In response, Samdech Techo announced a 24-hour pause before taking action. If Thailand does not reopen the checkpoint within that window, Cambodia will begin fully closing its own border checkpoints the following day. He added that at this point, Cambodia has no need to export anything to Thailand.

Addressing the Thai public, Samdech Techo Hun Sen stated: “If you wish to protest, direct it at your own military. It was the Thai army—not Cambodia—that closed the checkpoint. This action was illegal, and Cambodia should not be blamed.”

Samdech Techo Hun Sen added that while Cambodia respects Thailand’s internal customs, government, and prime minister, it is clear that even the Thai prime minister lacks the authority to open or close border checkpoints. In contrast, he emphasized, Cambodia operates under a unified chain of command—from national leaders to local authorities, including the parliament, senate, executive, and armed forces—all functioning cohesively under the Royal Government.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen made clear that Cambodia is not interfering in Thailand’s internal affairs. However, he questioned the logic of a system where the Thai prime minister can meet with Cambodia’s National Assembly president and prime Minister, yet lacks the authority to reopen a border checkpoint.

Samdech Techo added that if Thailand reopens the border—even for five hours at night—Cambodia will reciprocate. If Thailand opens it during the day, Cambodia will match it with a one- to two-hour opening. He stressed that Cambodia can easily implement a full border closure unilaterally, noting that all it takes is a single order. No negotiation needed.
=FRESH NEWS