(Siem Reap): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet declared that Cambodia’s closed border checkpoints will remain permanently shut unless Thailand agrees to reopen all crossings simultaneously and comprehensively.

The premier spoke on Monday (Jun. 23) at the closing of the Central Committee Meeting of the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC) in Siem Reap province.

“I hereby announce that once Cambodia has closed the gates, we will not reopen selectively just because you decide to. The closure is permanent unless Thailand reopens all border points simultaneously, exactly as they were prior to 7 June. Only then will Cambodia consider reopening. Let me make this very clear,” the premier underscored.

Samdech Thipadei stress that Cambodia does not engage in deceptive or inconsistent practices. When the government makes a decision, it is definitive. We do not want to play games with our neighbours. But if our neighbours want to engage in such games whether economic manipulation or nationalism, Cambodia will not remain silent. The premier pointed out that Thailand was the instigator of nationalist sentiment, which has sparked strong patriotic movements inside Cambodia, uniting the people and the government in defence of national sovereignty.

Samdech Thipadei pointed out that the rise of nationalist sentiment in Cambodia was not initiated by the Cambodian government, but rather provoked by Thailand. Thailand’s unilateral decision to close border checkpoints has negatively impacted civilians, and their threats have only fueled intense nationalism in Cambodia. According to Samdech Thipadei, Thailand has exploited the situation for domestic political gain while using economic leverage and military threats to pressure Cambodia.

Premier Hun Manet also made clear that Cambodia will not enter any negotiations with Thailand regarding the reopening of border checkpoints. He stated that Thailand, having closed the borders unilaterally, must now reopen them first. Only then will Cambodia follow suit. Since Thailand closed the gates first on its own, the reopening must also be unilateral. There is no need for negotiation.

He continued by telling Thailand that, should they reopen the gates, Cambodia will reciprocate within five hours. Restoring all border gates to normal operation would reflect goodwill and mutual trust. However, as long as Thailand refuses to make the first move, Cambodia will not engage in any form of dialogue, especially not in the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) framework.

It should be noted that prior to the current tensions, Cambodia and Thailand operated border checkpoints from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Currently, Thailand opens at 8 a.m. while Cambodia opens at 9 a.m., with both closing at 4 p.m. Cambodia’s shift to a 9 a.m. opening was a direct response to Thailand’s unilateral change.
=FRESH NEWS