(Siem Reap): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet likened Cambodia’s response to threats and provocations from Thai military to that of a snake. Silent, but deadly if provoked.
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.
Samdech Thipadei asserted that Cambodia maintains a calm and restrained posture, yet remains fully prepared to respond swiftly in defence of the nation's dignity and sovereignty.
“Cambodia exercises restraint, but if our sovereignty is violated, we must respond. We are fully capable of implementing countermeasures to protect our national integrity. We act like a snake. Silent, but striking fatally when provoked. Cambodia did not initiate unilateral actions. We refrain from doing so because we do not wish to cause hardship for border communities. But if you (Thailand) act, we will respond,” the premier underscored.
One such “snake-like” response cited by the premier involved Thailand’s unilateral adjustment of border gate operations, opening at 8 a.m. and closing at 4 p.m. without prior notice to Cambodia. In turn, Cambodia swiftly adjusted its own schedule to open at 9 a.m., confusing Thai officials who had been waiting since 8.
Regarding threats to cut off electricity and internet services, the Thai military had issued warnings to the Cambodian Royal Government about halting these services for border communities. In response, Samdech Hun Manet ordered provincial authorities and technical agencies to cut off all Thai-supplied electricity and internet and shift to domestic sources without disruption.
On the issue of four disputed areas such as Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Moan Tauch Temple, and Ta Krabei Temple, and the Emerald Triangle area, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, after thorough study and receiving unanimous support from Parliament and the Senate, decided to bring the matter before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), bypassing bilateral mechanisms like the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), and without informing Thailand.
In recent developments, Thailand reportedly threatened to cut off fuel supplies to Cambodia within a month as a pressure tactic. However, within hours of the threat, the Cambodian government countered by immediately halting all fuel and gas imports from Thailand, effective from midnight on 23 June 2025.
According to the premier, the unilateral actions in this escalating border situation were initiated by Thailand. Cambodia’s responses, he emphasised, were reactive and aimed at defending national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the wellbeing of its citizens.
On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet stressed that every decision made by the Cambodian government is the result of careful analysis and not impulsiveness. He concluded by warning that Cambodia still holds numerous options should Thailand escalate tensions further. He mentioned that if Thailand wants to keep playing, Cambodia is fully ready to match every move.
=FRESH NEWS
