(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen has warned that all Cambodian-Thai border checkpoints could be closed starting tomorrow, effectively halting the import of Thai fruits and vegetables if Thailand fails to restore normal border operations.

The warning follows Thailand’s unilateral and unlawful closure of the border. However, after discussions between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and his Thai counterpart, Cambodia has agreed to postpone the deadline by 24 hours.

Samdech Techo spoke on Monday (16 June) during a special address.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen stated that Thailand violated the bilateral agreement on border crossings by unilaterally closing the gates—despite prior mutual understanding. Now, he noted, Thailand is calling for negotiations to reopen the border, merely to save face.

“Cambodia is a dignified, honourable, and responsible country,” he said. “We should not be asked to negotiate under such pretences.”

Samdech Techo Hun Sen also 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.

In anticipation of a possible border closure, Samdech Techo Hun Sen instructed relevant institutions—and urged wealthy individuals and resourceful citizens—to procure Cambodian-grown fruits and vegetables for distribution to border troops, orphanages, military training centres, and police academies.
=FRESH NEWS