Tensions are running high between two neighboring countries. Hun Sen, the president of the Cambodian National Assembly and former prime minister, has issued a stern warning to Thailand. If Thailand doesn’t reopen its border checkpoints to their pre-June 7 status, Cambodia will immediately halt all imports of Thai fruits and vegetables.
This warning came during a special statement to the Cambodian National Assembly on June 16, 2023. Initially, Cambodia had planned to close its borders to Thai produce today, but Hun Sen revealed that talks between him and the Thai prime minister, as well as discussions between current Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai leaders, have led to a 24-hour delay in implementing these measures.
Hun Sen is urging Cambodian businesses to buy local produce and distribute it to soldiers along the border, those in training, and to orphanages across the country. He emphasized that Cambodia will not negotiate on issues where Thailand has violated border agreements. The Cambodian leader questioned whether Thailand’s actions were a ploy to save face while putting Cambodia in a difficult position.
Cambodia, Hun Sen stressed, has its own dignity and pride. He called on Thailand to acknowledge its mistakes and take responsibility. In a parting message, Hun Sen warned the Thai people that if they are unhappy with the current situation, they should direct their complaints to the Thai military, which he believes is the root of the problem, rather than blaming the Cambodian government. The border closures, he argued, are a consequence of Thailand’s initial violation of laws and agreements.