(Banteay Meanchey): Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Acting Head of State of Cambodia, considered the blockade of the border crossing at Sampov Loun in Battambang province as a “provocative act” and stressed that border affairs fall solely under the authority of the prime minister.

He spoke on Tuesday (Jun. 9) during his meeting with 3,318 displaced families at the Sla Kram Temporary Settlement in Svay Chek district, Banteay Meanchey province.

“Regarding Sampov Loun, why did they excavate soil and build an embankment without consulting the prime minister? That was a provocative act, and the prime minister strongly reprimanded it,” he said.

Samdech Techo added that provincial authorities are not permitted to make unilateral decisions on border matters, reiterating that such matters fall exclusively under the authority of the prime minister.

He also stated that Cambodia should not be overly concerned if Thailand chooses to close the border, noting that the country has remained stable without supply shortages over the past year.

On the occasion, Samdech Techo further instructed authorities to take strict legal action against individuals involved in smuggling goods from Thailand, including confiscating assets and assigning offenders to work in border areas.
=FRESH NEWS