Hun Sen: Cambodia Will Not Beg Thailand to Reopen Border

Brickinfo News Agency – Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen has issued a public statement via his social media, commenting on the ongoing Cambodia-Thailand border closure. While acknowledging the current ceasefire, he focused his remarks on the border checkpoint issue, which has become a significant topic of discussion among Cambodian citizens. He noted that while the public has been vocal, political and military leaders on the Cambodian side have maintained a notable silence.

Hun Sen’s statement directly addressed the unilateral decision by the Thai military to shut the border. He affirmed Cambodia’s position that it has never requested the border’s reopening. Instead, he stated that since Thailand initiated the closure, it should also be the one to reopen it without negotiation. Once Thailand’s side is open, he said, Cambodia’s side would follow suit five hours later. Hun Sen asserted that this firm stance will not change, emphasizing, “Cambodia will not lower itself to beg Thailand to reopen the border. Even if Thailand decides to keep it closed for another 100 years, Cambodia will not perish.”

The Senate President expressed a form of gratitude to Thailand, suggesting that the border closure has inadvertently benefited Cambodia. He noted that the absence of Thai imports over the past three months has spurred the growth of Cambodian domestic products. This has led to citizens supporting locally made goods, which he believes will contribute to long-term economic development. According to Hun Sen, the Cambodian market has remained stable with an adequate supply of goods and low inflation during this period, indicating effective macroeconomic management.

He also addressed a specific request from Japan, which has investments in both countries and seeks to transport goods across the border. Hun Sen stated that Japan should contact the Thai side, as Cambodia has already granted its approval. He concluded his message by appealing to the Cambodian people to remain patient, allowing the Royal Government to continue working toward a peaceful resolution. “We cannot end war with war,” he said.