(Takeo): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet highlighted the situation of the border closure with Thailand, especially criticizing the lack of clarity and consistency from the Thai side, which has made it difficult for Cambodia to identify a clear counterpart to communicate and coordinate with.

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.

Samdech Thipadei cited a case involving a letter from Thai authorities dated 29 June 2025, which was received by Cambodian officials in Sa Kaeo province. The letter requested the reopening of some Cambodia–Thailand border checkpoints and the allowance of freight transport to relieve the impact on local livelihoods. However, Samdech Thipadei noted that this single letter resulted in four different Thai representatives, including from the military and political spheres, giving contradictory explanations.

Samdech Thipadei asked, “How are we supposed to reopen the border when we don’t even know who to talk to? Just one letter and already there are four conflicting voices?”

The premier underscored, “How do we proceed when one letter leads to four conflicting statements? Immediately, I issued a public response on Facebook clarifying our position, the key is in Thailand’s hands. Then, a Thai military spokesperson said it was merely an internal discussion and that they would contact Cambodia to temporarily reopen the border for goods transport. But when Cambodia refused, we were blamed. Later, the Thai deputy prime minister and defence minister denied that any letter was ever sent to Cambodia. That evening, another source said the letter was fake, only for another official the next day to confirm it was real but leaked. One letter, four different responses, who should Cambodia believe or follow?”

Furthermore, Samdech Thipadei addressed Thai media accusations that Cambodia lacked humanitarian consideration by refusing passage to Thai trucks stranded in Cambodian territory prior to 23 June. He refuted this claim, stating that Cambodian authorities had already confirmed there were no Thai trucks stuck on Cambodian soil.

Samdech Thipadei reaffirmed that the border closure was not initiated by Cambodia, but rather unilaterally by Thailand. Cambodia could have escalated the matter but chose not to. If Thailand wish to return to normal border operations, it must first restore the situation to what it was before 7 June 2025. Cambodia will then reopen the border within five hours.

Samdech Thipadei reiterated that Cambodia is still waiting to engage with a legitimate authority in Thailand who holds real power to resolve the issue.

“Cambodia speaks with a single voice from top to bottom,” the premier affirmed.
=FRESH NEWS