Cambodia’s Hun Sen is warning Thailand against using oil as a tool to pressure his country. He calls this move a “dangerous game” that could backfire on Thailand’s economy. If Thailand goes through with this plan, Hun Sen says Cambodia is ready to retaliate in many ways.
This warning came after Thai opposition parties suggested stopping oil exports to Cambodia. Hun Sen, who is also the president of the Cambodian People’s Party, posted his response on social media. He said Cambodia won’t be ruined just because it doesn’t get oil from Thailand. In fact, he thinks Thailand’s own oil company, PTT, might be the one to suffer.
Hun Sen also mentioned that Cambodia is prepared to deal with any intimidation from Thailand, whether it’s about internet, electricity, or labor. He brought up how Thailand used to discriminate against Cambodian workers, using them as political leverage. But when Cambodia announced it would bring its workers back home, Thailand quickly changed its stance. This is because Thailand knows its businesses would grind to a halt without these workers in manufacturing, farming, and construction.
To reduce dependence on Thai products, Hun Sen suggests Cambodia should consider stopping imports of certain goods, like processed foods, energy drinks, and alcohol. He’s encouraging people to use local products or find alternative sources. He believes Cambodia needs to look beyond 2030 and create economic security and new choices, rather than just relying on old import habits.
This situation shows the complexity of the relationship between Thailand and Cambodia. Both countries have a lot at stake, and Hun Sen’s warnings indicate that Cambodia is ready to protect its interests. The future of their economic ties hangs in the balance, and it’s unclear how this “dangerous game” will play out.