Cambodia’s Senate President Hun Sen has declared that the ongoing closure of the Thai-Cambodian border is not a setback but a catalyst for domestic growth—firmly rejecting claims that Phnom Penh is lobbying for its reopening.

 

In a pointed social media post, Hun Sen clarified that Cambodia has “never asked Thailand to reopen the border,” countering what he described as misleading narratives circulating in both countries. He suggested that Thai political figures may be using the issue as campaign fodder ahead of upcoming elections.

 

The statement follows recent diplomatic progress, including a Joint Statement signed by the Cambodian and Thai prime ministers, with mediation from Malaysia’s Prime Minister and U.S. President Donald Trump. The agreement has led to the withdrawal of heavy weaponry from contested areas, monitored by ASEAN observers.

 

Despite these positive steps, Hun Sen warned against misinterpreting the situation. “If Thailand wants to keep it closed for another 100 or even 500 years, that is entirely their decision,” he said, adding that the closure has actually boosted Cambodia’s self-reliance by encouraging local production and reducing dependence on Thai imports.

 

He also framed the border issue as a regional concern, questioning the impact on ASEAN infrastructure projects like the Asia Highway and regional rail links. “This is not just a bilateral matter—it affects ASEAN and Asia as a whole,” he noted.

 

Hun Sen’s remarks appear aimed at both reassuring Cambodians and signalling to Thai leaders that Cambodia will not be drawn into political theatre. His message: Cambodia stands firm, self-sufficient, and unbowed.

 

-2025-11-05

On 11/5/2025 at 9:43 AM, geovalin said:

Cambodia’s self-reliance by encouraging local production and reducing dependence on Thai imports.

 

 

Very much so. The MAKRO in Siem Reap sells local fruit and vegetables with a Cambodian flag informing country origin, fresh chicken and pork is currently sourced in Cambodia and Vietnam. No CP mass produced crap.

It is a Dutch company however the franchisee in this part of the World is Thailand's CP Extra. Yes, I still shop there, especially for bread and bakery products, which are prepared on site by Khmer staff using non-Thai ingredients. In a very small way, I am providing money to support the local Khmer people with jobs.