(Takeo): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet clarified that the border closure measures were not initiated by Cambodia, but rather by Thailand. He stressed that since Thailand had unilaterally closed the border, it is up to Thailand to decide when to reopen it. Once Thailand does so, Cambodia will respond within five hours.

The premier spoke on Tuesday (Jul. 1) during the National Fish Day celebration and the release of approximately 1.5 million fish into Tonle Sap Lake, held in Bati district, Takeo province.

“Yesterday, they said Thailand had reopened, but Cambodia didn’t. Then people affected by the border closure blamed Cambodia. Cambodia was made out to be at fault. They just looked for a way to put the blame on us. But why? Because on 24 June, Cambodia had already announced that the closure would remain in effect indefinitely until the situation returned to how it was on 7 June,” the premier underscored.

Addressing Cambodian and Thai citizens affected by the closure, he called for understanding, reiterating that Cambodia was not the initiator and does not hold the key to reopening. Cambodia is not playing political games with the issue, nor does it view it as such, stressing that these measures directly affect citizens on both sides.

On 24 June 2025, the Thai prime minister publicly announced the border closure. On 25 June 2025, the gates were sealed. However, later that evening, the Thai government’s spokesperson denied the closure. Despite this, international media widely reported, with clear evidence, that Thailand had indeed shut the border. Subsequently, while Thai military forces stationed at the border reopened the gate, they did not allow the passage of vehicles or people.

“Cambodia did not start this. The key lies with Thailand. They shut the border unilaterally. If they officially announce a return to the pre-June 7 status, there will be no more closures or openings used as political pressure. Let people live in peace. Once that's clear, we’ll reopen within five hours. That is our commitment. We have no intention of harming Cambodian or Thai people along the border. This is the truth, and our position is clear,” the premier added.
=FRESH NEWS