Picture courtesy of The Nation

 

A gust of nationalism has engulfed Cambodia as calls for a boycott of Thai products thunder through social media platforms. A clash along the Cambodian-Thai border has led to a spirited campaign urging Cambodians to ditch Thai brands in favour of local ones.

 

As reported by Nikkei Asia on 15 August, Thailand’s major players are taking the brunt of this backlash. From PTT petrol stations to Cafe Amazon, even fan favourites aren’t spared from the heat.

 

Hashtags like “Khmer Loves Khmer” and “Boycott Thai Products” are making waves, urging support for Cambodian businesses and intensifying pressure on Thai companies in the region.

 

Thai companies are facing significant challenges. PTT, a prominent petrol retailer with over 186 stations in Cambodia, has seen its branding covered up, leading to staggering sales. One worker reported a dive in daily customers from 500 to a mere 12.

 

The defence minister's brother, Tea Siem, plans to rebrand PTT stations as "Peace Petroleum Cambodia" to showcase strategic manoeuvres in response to the situation, reported The Nation.

 

Cafe Amazon isn’t faring any better. With 250 branches scattered across the nation, this PTT subsidiary faces similar challenges. Staff are reportedly hiding branding and avoiding work uniforms in public due to safety concerns.

 

It's not just the petrol and coffee giants under the spotlight; Carabao energy drink, CP Group’s 7-Eleven stores, and Siam Cement Group (SCG) are also caught in the nationalistic tide.

 

This fervour followed a violent bout of clashes in late July, which tragically resulted in at least 43 deaths.

 

Despite a ceasefire mediated by Malaysia, with support from the US and China, tensions simmer just beneath the surface. The region remains on high alert as both sides accuse each other of violating the ceasefire. 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-08-16

 

I wonder what all the Cambodian migrant workers who have returned to Cambodia will do for money in the next few months 

3 hours ago, webfact said:

“Khmer Loves Khmer”

especially the rouge, what short memories folks have

Oh dear what a pity! Wasn't a Thai MP calling for the same against Cambodia even promoting buying land mines for 10,000baht each from Cambodian soldiers? Not so nice when the other side does it!!!

9 hours ago, webfact said:

“Khmer Loves Khmer”

Hun Sen Loves Hun Sen

Cambodian Social Media Calls for Thai Product Boycott

 

They're gonna struggle with that.  Virtually every product on sale in Phnom Penh has "Made in Thailand" stamped on it.  And the top-selling brand of motorcycle in Cambodia is Honda - all made in Thailand.

 

 

1 hour ago, Homburg said:

Cambodian Social Media Calls for Thai Product Boycott

 

They're gonna struggle with that.  Virtually every product on sale in Phnom Penh has "Made in Thailand" stamped on it.  And the top-selling brand of motorcycle in Cambodia is Honda - all made in Thailand.

 

 

That was true 20 years ago, they have diversified a lot since. Sure, there are still a lot of Thái products, but also a lot from Vietnam, China, Malaysia, and more and more locally made stuff. 

 

11 hours ago, webfact said:

A gust of nationalism has engulfed Cambodia as calls for a boycott of Thai products thunder through social media platforms. A clash along the Cambodian-Thai border has led to a spirited campaign urging Cambodians to ditch Thai brands in favour of local ones

Yeah support China instead, they'll take care of you.

8 hours ago, bannork said:

I wonder what all the Cambodian migrant workers who have returned to Cambodia will do for money in the next few months 

 

For reference:

 

The Cambodia–Japan Cooperation Centre (CJCC) in Phnom Penh will hold a two-day job fair on August 22 and 23, offering 1,500 opportunities to Cambodian students and workers returning from Thailand.

 

https://www.khmertimeskh.com/category/national/

 

Google - Cambodia is actively providing job opportunities for its citizens returning from Thailand, with nearly 200,000 positions available across the country. These positions span various sectors and provinces, aiming to facilitate a smooth reintegration of returning workers into the Cambodian workforce. 

 

The job distribution across provinces reflects a diverse array of opportunities. Some of the highest numbers of job openings include:

– Kampong Speu Province: 45,931

– Phnom Penh: 42,478

– Svay Rieng: 21,925

– Kandal: 14,978

– Kampong Chhnang: 13,030

– Takeo: 11,758

 

https://construction-property.com/cambodia-offers-nearly-200000-job-opportunities-for-workers-returning-from-thailand/

 

2 minutes ago, Burma Bill said:

 

For reference:

 

The Cambodia–Japan Cooperation Centre (CJCC) in Phnom Penh will hold a two-day job fair on August 22 and 23, offering 1,500 opportunities to Cambodian students and workers returning from Thailand.

 

https://www.khmertimeskh.com/category/national/

 

Google - Cambodia is actively providing job opportunities for its citizens returning from Thailand, with nearly 200,000 positions available across the country. These positions span various sectors and provinces, aiming to facilitate a smooth reintegration of returning workers into the Cambodian workforce. 

 

The job distribution across provinces reflects a diverse array of opportunities. Some of the highest numbers of job openings include:

– Kampong Speu Province: 45,931

– Phnom Penh: 42,478

– Svay Rieng: 21,925

– Kandal: 14,978

– Kampong Chhnang: 13,030

– Takeo: 11,758

 

https://construction-property.com/cambodia-offers-nearly-200000-job-opportunities-for-workers-returning-from-thailand/

 

All well and good, but will the wages match what they can earn in Thailand? 

Back in 2020 my daughter was working in Sri Racha where many Cambodians worked repairing roads, etc. They told me the daily wage in Cambodia was 120 baht, hence why they were in Thailand.

There’s quite a hatred brewing, even my gf has been critical of Kymen. She’s usually very non-confrontational.

15 hours ago, Homburg said:

Cambodian Social Media Calls for Thai Product Boycott

 

They're gonna struggle with that.  Virtually every product on sale in Phnom Penh has "Made in Thailand" stamped on it.  And the top-selling brand of motorcycle in Cambodia is Honda - all made in Thailand.

 

 

actually ..   Thailand should totally stop sending any product or resource to be sent there ...

 no fuel , electricity,  internet, no machine or automotive parts  .... food staples  ...nothing..  cut them off from getting any THAI product

and allow nothing from Cambodia to cross the border into Thailand

 

On 8/16/2025 at 7:16 AM, bannork said:

I wonder what all the Cambodian migrant workers who have returned to Cambodia will do for money in the next few months 

 

That's indeed an interesting question; it's almost inconceivable that they can just be absorbed into Cambodia's domestic workforce.

On 8/16/2025 at 7:31 AM, Rampant Rabbit said:

especially the rouge, what short memories folks have

 

40-60 years ago is not a short period of time. Besides, what does Cambodia's failed maoist revolution have to do with anything? 

4 hours ago, Luuk Chaai said:

actually ..   Thailand should totally stop sending any product or resource to be sent there ...

 no fuel , electricity,  internet, no machine or automotive parts  .... food staples  ...nothing..  cut them off from getting any THAI product

and allow nothing from Cambodia to cross the border into Thailand

 

 

 

Vietnam can supply and will only boost that nations growth. China can pick up the slack. Really, Thailand not giving Cambodia options with border closed 555. Another nail in coffin for Thai economy. 

On 8/17/2025 at 8:35 AM, KhaoHom said:

 

40-60 years ago is not a short period of time. Besides, what does Cambodia's failed maoist revolution have to do with anything? 

ask the  millions dead most of the perpetrators are still alive

On 8/17/2025 at 8:37 AM, KhaoHom said:

 

 

Vietnam can supply and will only boost that nations growth. China can pick up the slack. Really, Thailand not giving Cambodia options with border closed 555. Another nail in coffin for Thai economy. 

 

Vietnam is one of the friendly countries supplying us with products and produce, along with other friendly Nations such as Australia. What a refreshing change of selection on our supermarket shelves here in Siem Reap. For example, out have gone the "rubber" Thai German, CP and Eurola processed meats and now we can select from Australian Dons Meat products. Its Lincolnshire herb styled pork sausages are delicious, as are their beef ones. Australia and New Zealand now supply much of our dairy produce. Out has gone Thai milk and other dairy products. As I have stated previously, the UK's Morrison's and Co-op supermarkets, along with France's Netto chain, supply many other non-perishable foods and drinks. Of course there is also an increase selection of fresh Khmer produce such as vegetables and fruit, helping the local farmers and not the money grabbing Thai ones. Long may the ban last on Thai products, we now have a much better choice of quality products.