Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, centre, arrives at Government House for a cabinet meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, June 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

 

Cambodian officials have rebuffed recent assertions by Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra as “irrational”. On 23 June, Shinawatra stated that Thailand had halted electricity, internet, and oil supplies to Cambodia amid efforts to combat cross-border crime. However, Cambodian authorities assert they've independently suspended these services.

 

Shinawatra claimed the measures, including closing borders and freezing 680,000 bank accounts, were in response to a UNODC report branding Cambodia as a “global scam hub”. The Thai government also restricted border crossings, although exemptions exist for students and medical patients.

 

Additional actions include prohibiting tourists from gambling in border areas and restricting flights to Siem Reap. These steps coincided with a UN letter addressing Thailand's role as a transit hub for scamming operations.

 

Cambodian spokesperson Pen Bona rebutted, insisting Cambodia has acknowledged and is addressing online scam issues. A prime minister-led committee now coordinates efforts, underscoring Cambodia’s dedication to tackling crime without external blame.

 

Bona accused Thailand of transferring responsibility for its issues, citing recent Thai crackdowns on scams within its borders. "Thailand's claim to have cut supplies is absurd,” Bona noted, highlighting that Cambodia had already severed ties with Thai services.

 

Cambodia ceased using Thai internet and electricity on 12 June. By 17 June, fruit and vegetable imports from Thailand were banned, followed by oil and gas on 22 June.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-06-25

 

 

What a joke, any Shin' claiming Cambodia as a global scam hub when they are ruling over and supporting one almighty scam hub themselves.