(Siem Reap): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said that before Thailand seeks negotiations with Cambodia, it should first establish internal unity. Only when that clarity exists can any party initiate meaningful discussions with Cambodia regarding border checkpoint reopening because Cambodia merely responds accordingly.

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.

“Now ask yourself, how can we negotiate when one side seeks dialogue and the other continues its unilateral closures and actions? Where is the real intent? How can I believe that? Speak from the top, and the bottom do not follow. Let there be internal unity first,” the premier underscored.

Samdech Thipadei emphasised that Cambodia is not concerned with Thailand’s internal politics whether there is unity or not. What Cambodia needs is practical, on-the-ground action. Whenever the border checkpoints are reopened whether by the government or the military, anyone with real decision-making authority in Thailand, Cambodia will follow suit and reopen accordingly.

Prime Minister Hun Manet further explained that while the Thai prime minister and government often request negotiations to reopen the gates, the Thai military simultaneously acts unilaterally by closing and opening as they please. “So, who exactly should Cambodia be negotiating with? One side talks reopening, the other side continues to shut things down,” Samdech Thipadei continued.

The premier reiterated that restoring the border to normal conditions is simple. First, reopen the gates. Then, proceed to discuss military withdrawals. The key to resolving the border issue is entirely in Thailand’s hands.

It should be noted that on 22 June 2025, Samdech Thipadei ordered the permanent closure of two border checkpoints in Udor Meanchey province namely the Choub Korki and the Choam border checkpoints. The move came after Thailand unilaterally shut down the Sae Taku– Choub Korki checkpoint in Banteay Ampil district.

Samdech Thipadei reiterated that Cambodia has never intended to create hardship for people from either country who live near or travel across the border. However, if the Thai military continues such tactics to exert pressure on Cambodia, then Cambodia is fully capable of responding at any time.
=FRESH NEWS