(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen reaffirmed that Cambodia has never asked Thailand to reopen the land border since Thailand unilaterally closed it in June. He stressed that even if the border remained shut for 100 years, Cambodia would not collapse, and no requests or concessions would be made to Thailand, and this message should be clearly conveyed to Thai leadership both civilian and military, so they understand Cambodia’s position.

Samdech Techo spoke on Monday (Nov. 17) during the 33rd National Congress of Buddhist Monks at the National Institute of Education.

This strong clarification from Samdech Techo Hun Sen came after recent statements from Thai officials, including the prime minister and the minister of defence, repeatedly calling for the reopening of the border. Some Thai officials even alleged that Cambodia had requested the border to be opened, with the Thai defence minister asserting that negotiations on this matter would never happen in his lifetime.

“Since Thailand closed the border, Cambodia has never asked Thailand to reopen it. And even if Thailand keeps it closed for 100 more years, Cambodia will not perish. Up to now, the Thai prime minister has mentioned it at least twice, saying they will not reopen the gate, and the military spokesperson has spoken many times as well,” Samdech Techo underscored.

“It was Thailand that closed the gate, so it is Thailand’s responsibility to reopen it,” he noted, adding that he opposes any proposals from Cambodian political groups calling for the border to reopen. He also urged Cambodia to boost domestic production and explore alternative markets to reduce dependency on Thai imports.

It should be noted that Thailand unilaterally closed the land border with Cambodia on 7 June 2025, after which the Cambodian government also announced the closure of border checkpoints in response.
=FRESH NEWS