(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen stated that in Cambodia, only the Royal Government holds decision-making power, including command over the armed forces. In contrast, he noted, even the Thai prime minister lacks such authority, highlighting a key difference in governance between the two countries.

Samdech Techo spoke on Monday (Jun. 16) in a special message.

“We understand the situation in Thailand—even the prime minister lacks the authority to open or close the border,” Samdech Techo Hun Sen stated. “But in Cambodia, the prime minister holds full power—from the National Assembly and Senate to all levels of administration and the armed forces.”

Samdech Techo Hun Sen affirmed that while Cambodia may not fully understand Thailand’s internal mechanisms, it does not interfere in Thai domestic affairs. However, he questioned why the Thai prime minister can meet with the president of the National Assembly and the Senate yet cannot authorise the reopening of the border.

“In Cambodia, if Thailand reopens the border at 1 a.m., we will reopen within five hours at most. If during the day, we will reopen one or two hours after Thailand resumes operations,” Samdech continued.

He added that since Thailand unilaterally closed the border, it could easily reverse its own decision without lengthy negotiation. “There is no need for long discussions or complicated procedures.”

Samdech Techo Hun Sen stressed that Cambodia does not compromise its dignity by interfering in others' affairs. “Thailand tied the knot, therefore must untie it. Cambodia plays no part in helping to settle the matter of the border closure. If Thailand sets conditions for negotiations, Cambodia cannot accept them.”
=FRESH NEWS