Report Cambodia Ceases Electricity and Internet Imports Amid Cross-Border Tensions

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In a striking move, Cambodia has declared that it will discontinue its reliance on electrical and internet imports from Thailand, asserting its newfound self-sufficiency in these sectors. This decision comes in the wake of measures enforced by the Royal Thai Army at the Thai-Cambodian border, triggered by rising tensions in the Chong Bok area of Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani province on May 28.

 

The Thai measures, encompassing a range of strategies, have included the ultimate step of potentially cutting essential utilities like electricity and internet to Cambodia. However, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has moved to pre-empt this by announcing that Cambodia can now independently meet its energy and internet needs.

 

In a Facebook post on Thursday, Hun Manet addressed growing concerns over threats from certain groups in Thailand to sever these vital services. He clarified that Cambodia's decision to forego imports was designed to mitigate any confusion or logistical issues for Thai authorities regarding potential service cut-offs.

 

Chea Vandeth, Cambodia's Minister of Post and Telecommunications, had previously informed the Prime Minister that all Cambodian optical fibre and internet service providers would halt purchasing bandwidth from Thailand by midnight on Friday. This shift underscores Cambodia's confidence in its domestic internet infrastructure.

 

Simultaneously, Keo Ratanak, Cambodia's Minister of Mines and Energy, has affirmed that the nation has achieved the capability to independently supply its electricity needs, thus reinforcing Cambodia’s stance of self-reliance.

 

Prime Minister Hun Manet has directed relevant Cambodian ministries and agencies to develop contingency plans to counter any potential threats or disruptions to services from Thailand. This proactive stance is intended to safeguard Cambodia's progress and ensure uninterrupted service provision to its citizens.

 

This move marks a significant step in Cambodia's bid to bolster its infrastructure and reduce dependency on neighbouring countries, amidst a backdrop of regional diplomatic strains. As both nations navigate these tensions, the focus remains on maintaining stability and cooperation.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-06-13