Phnom penh: Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen has reaffirmed that Cambodia will never request Thailand to reopen the border, stressing that the decision lies entirely with the Thai side. ‘I would like to send a message to both the Thai military and civil leaders that Cambodia will not lower itself to ask the Thai side to reopen the border,’ he said while presiding over the opening ceremony of the 33rd National Congress of Buddhist Monks in Phnom Penh this morning.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Samdech Techo Hun Sen emphasized that Cambodia was not responsible for the border closure and highlighted that the decision to reopen rests solely with Thailand. He further stated that Cambodia must focus on strengthening its domestic production capacity and exploring alternative supply sources to meet local demands.

He also advised Cambodians against radical nationalism, urging them not to boycott Thai goods produced by Thai investments within Cambodia, as this could lead to unfavorable outcomes. The Senate President acknowledged the current ‘lose-lose’ situation for both nations due to border tensions, but noted that Cambodia remains less affected due to its lower export levels to Thailand compared to its imports.

Hun Sen pointed out that the disputed area is minor compared to the peaceful territory shared by the two countries and encouraged a clear perspective on the situation. He expressed confidence that peace and good neighborly relations would eventually be restored, emphasizing the existence of mechanisms to address the issue and urging experts to manage the situation effectively.