On the evening of August 17, Senate President Hun Sen issued a statement after reports that Coca-Cola’s advertising partnership with Cambodian rapper VannDa had ended and prompted calls for a boycott. He urged the public to establish the reason before drawing conclusions.
Hun Sen said the reported decision could have been political or had another cause. He said Coca-Cola is produced in Cambodia and supports local jobs, incomes and tax revenue. If the company left, Cambodia would lose and Thailand would benefit, he argued.
He referred to what he said were Thai threats to cut electricity, internet and fuel supplies and recalled Cambodia’s earlier response. He distinguished products imported from Thailand from goods produced in Cambodia and said Thai investment should be protected when it benefits Cambodia.
Hun Sen said confrontation with the United States could affect Cambodia’s diplomacy, trade and investment. He urged VannDa to be understanding and patient and to put Cambodia’s interests first regardless of why the partnership ended. He described VannDa’s experience as a sacrifice for the country.
Reporter: ចិន្តា ទីទិ
