Prime Minister Hun Manet (left) and Senate president Hun Sen, president of the Cambodian People's Party. SHS
Senate president Hun Sen, leader of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), has once again addressed the Royal Government of Cambodia in light of Thailand's recent unilateral decision to restrict access to its border checkpoints with Cambodia.
In a social media post shared today, June 13, Hun Sen outlined the government’s response should Thailand maintain its restrictions of border crossings.
He called for the implementation of a series of actions to mitigate the economic and social impacts of the decision on Cambodia.
“If Thailand refuses to fully reopen the border checkpoints, we will have no choice but to take the following measures,” he said, emphasising the importance of safeguarding Cambodia's interests. The outlined measures include:
1. Suspension of Imports: Cambodia will halt imports of Thai goods, substituting them with domestically produced goods or products from other countries. This action would significantly reduce reliance on Thai imports.
2. Seeking New Markets for Cambodian Exports: Cambodia will explore new domestic and international markets to purchase goods, especially agricultural products that were previously exported to Thailand. The government plans to support Cambodian farmers and exporters by finding alternative trade opportunities.
3. Redirecting Medical Tourism: Cambodian patients who previously sought medical care in Thailand will be directed to local hospitals or alternative overseas medical facilities. The shift aims to keep Cambodia’s medical sector robust and self-sustaining.
4. Managing Employment Opportunities: Cambodia plans to accommodate workers returning from Thailand by creating job opportunities in sectors such as industry, agriculture and construction, which are currently experiencing labour shortages. Many Cambodian workers have faced discrimination in Thailand and may return voluntarily, further compounding the need for job creation at home.
5. Military Preparedness: All branches of Cambodia's armed forces are instructed to remain on full alert, ready to respond to any potential aggression from Thailand. This move reflects the heightened tensions between the two countries, following the border closure.
6. Evacuation Preparedness: Cambodian provinces near the Thai border are to be prepared for potential evacuations, while ensuring that affected residents have access to food, medicine and other essential supplies.
Hun Sen also appealed to the public to refrain from committing extremist acts, including protests against the Thai embassy, Thai companies or Thai nationals in Cambodia.
He cautioned against harbouring racial hatred toward Thai people, highlighting that most Thai citizens are peaceful individuals.
According to Hun Sen, it is the extremist elements and certain factions within the Thai military that are responsible for the ongoing tensions.
“The Thai government is unable to control its military as effectively as we can in Cambodia,” he remarked, urging the government to stay calm and avoid escalating tensions.
In a related statement, the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia reported a mixed trade picture.
In 2024, Cambodia exported more than $1.1 billion of goods to Thailand, while importing more than $4.1 billion from the neighbouring Kingdom.
From January to May 2025, trade between Cambodia and Thailand reached $1.8 billion, an increase of 8.3% compared to the same period last year.
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) warned that continued border closures could have severe economic consequences, affecting bilateral trade worth an estimated 170 billion baht (about $5.2 billion).
The FTI has urged both governments to resolve the issue quickly to avoid disrupting this vital economic exchange.
Hun Sen’s remarks underscore the delicate balance Cambodia must strike in navigating its relationship with Thailand while safeguarding its national interests and maintaining stability for its citizens.
