PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen has issued a stern ultimatum to Thailand, demanding that all border crossings between the two nations be reopened within 24 hours. Failure to comply, he warned, would result in Cambodia closing all its border checkpoints with Thailand and banning the import of all Thai goods, including fruits and vegetables.
Speaking during a special Senate session on June 16, Hun Sen stated that Cambodia had initially planned to shut down all crossings today. However, the decision was temporarily delayed after he and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet held a phone conversation with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
If Thai authorities do not resume normal border operations from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. starting tomorrow, Hun Sen threatened, Cambodia will not only ban Thai agricultural imports but also abandon current crossing restrictions and impose stricter unilateral measures.
Hun Sen made it clear that Cambodia will not sit at the negotiating table regarding this issue, asserting that it was Thailand that restricted cross-border access first. “If Thailand limits crossings and expects to save face by asking for talks when Cambodia responds in kind — that’s unacceptable,” he said.
The sharp rhetoric has heightened tensions between the two nations, with potential economic impacts looming, especially for cross-border traders and agricultural exports. Cambodia’s stance, according to Hun Sen, is rooted in defending the country’s dignity and avoiding damage to its international reputation due to what he described as Thailand’s “mistakes.” (TNA)
