According to Cambodian media, former prime minister and current Acting Head of State Hun Sen commented on recent Cambodia–Thailand border issues through his official Telegram channel yesterday. He stressed that even if Thailand kept the border closed for another 100 years, Cambodia would not “starve to death” or demean itself by asking Thailand to reopen it.
Hun Sen said the closure was Thailand’s unilateral decision, not Cambodia’s. “Whoever closed it has the right to decide whether to reopen it. Cambodia does not need to, and will not, beg,” he said.
He also said the closure had not severely affected Cambodia, but had increased support and demand for local goods, helping the domestic economy. “I should thank Thailand, because the closure prevents Thai products from entering and instead promotes the growth and prosperity of Cambodian-made goods.” Hun Sen said market supplies and prices had remained stable over the past three months, inflation was low and the overall macroeconomy was performing well.
Regarding cross-border transport requests by Japanese companies with investments in both Thailand and Cambodia, Hun Sen said Cambodia had approved them, and that Japan should coordinate the remaining matters with Thailand.
Hun Sen urged the public to be patient and trust the government to continue addressing border issues peacefully. Stressing that “war cannot be ended by war”, he reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to peace and stability.
Compiled by this station
