PHNOM PENH: After long refraining from commenting on the border reopening issue, Senate president Hun Sen broke his silence on Tuesday (Sept 23) via social media. He firmly stated Cambodia's position, saying that it will not beg Thailand to reopen the border, adding that "even if Thailand keeps it closed for another 100 years, it will not be a problem for Cambodia".
He said he did not want to discuss this matter while the Cambodia-Thailand conflict remains under a ceasefire, to ensure that soldiers and civilians are not killed or injured, and that public and private property, as well as infrastructure, are not destroyed due to a resurgence of conflict.
"But what I want to say is about the Cambodia-Thailand border crossing, which has been widely discussed, mostly by our brothers and sisters on social media. As for politicians, military leaders or civil administrators, none have spoken out. On the Thai side, however, all sectors, from top to bottom, have been vocal about continuing the closure," he wrote.
He noted that since the Thai military unilaterally closed the border, Cambodia has never asked Thailand to reopen it, only informing Thailand that as they are the ones who closed it, they are also the ones who must reopen it, with no need for negotiations. Cambodia would then follow suit, reopening within no more than five hours later.
"Cambodia's stance will not change. Cambodia will not stoop to begging Thailand to reopen the border. Thailand can keep it closed for another 100 years, and Cambodia will not perish," he said.
"I should thank Thailand because, through this unilateral border closure, Thai goods cannot be imported, which has significantly boosted Cambodia's domestically produced goods. Patriotic Cambodians have come together to support the use of local products, which will contribute to long-term economic growth," he added.
According to Hun Sen, despite the absence of Thai goods over the past three months, Cambodia's markets have remained stable, with sufficient goods for consumption and low inflation. Both specifically and broadly, the macroeconomy has been well-managed.
Recently, the Japanese government proposed reopening some border crossings to facilitate cross-border transport, largely due to Japanese investment in both countries. Regarding this issue, Hun Sen suggested that Japan coordinate with the Thai side, as Cambodia has already given its approval.
"I ask my fellow compatriots to remain patient and allow the Royal Government to continue resolving this peacefully," he said. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN