(Banteay Meanchey): Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Acting Head of State of Cambodia, clarified remarks he made during the Khmer New Year period, stressing that his statement that “one should not allow an injured finger to cripple the entire body” was not intended to describe Thai-occupied Cambodian territory as a minor issue, as claimed by opposition groups.

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.

Samdech Techo said the phrase was meant to emphasise that the Cambodia–Thailand border issue should not disrupt the country’s broader economic and social stability.

“I never said the issue was as small as a finger,” he stated. “I simply said that an injured finger should not be allowed to cripple the entire body.” He accused opposition groups of distorting his remarks, saying they had falsely claimed he was downplaying the border issue.

He added that Cambodia is currently facing external challenges and cannot allow internal political disputes to weaken national unity or stability.

On the occasion, Samdech Techo Hun Sen also underscored the importance of maintaining economic activity, production, and exports despite ongoing border tensions. He noted that Cambodia’s exports reached approximately USD 18 billion during the first three months of the year, marking a 20 percent increase.
=FRESH NEWS