Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen recently told the public: “Although our country is small, our population limited and our economy weak, we must not be weak in morality. We must remain a dignified nation with high moral values.”
He stressed that people dissatisfied with Thailand should stop buying Thai goods and stop using the baht in Cambodia to strengthen monetary independence.
Hun Sen said: “Please do not take any action affecting the interests of Thai companies or citizens living and working in Cambodia. I still believe most Thai people do not want to be enemies of the Cambodian people.”
Addressing what he described as some Thai leaders' mistaken assessment of Cambodia's economy, he said: “Some people in Thailand, including certain leaders, say Cambodia faces shortages and hardship because Thailand closed the border. I should thank Thai leaders for unintentionally doing us a favour. Cambodia spends no less than US$5 billion a year buying Thai products. Redirecting that spending to local goods would provide a market and opportunities for Cambodia's economy.”
Hun Sen added: “We never asked Thai products to enter our market; we bought them voluntarily. Thai leaders should not misunderstand or belittle Cambodia. We know Thailand is wealthier, but you should also acknowledge that buying your goods provides income for Thai people.”
He appealed to Thai businesspeople in Cambodia: “Please do not be upset about losing a major customer; this is not Cambodia's fault.”
Finally, Hun Sen reminded border residents: “Exchange your baht for riel or dollars as soon as possible, because you may face major losses in the near future. The baht could become a pressure point, as happened previously with electricity, internet and fuel. Exchanging baht for riel helps strengthen national financial sovereignty.”
Compiled reporting by this station
