(Phnom Penh): Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Acting Head of State of Cambodia, ordered authorities to take strict action against individuals involved in illegally smuggling goods from Thailand into Cambodia, including asset confiscation and compulsory work assignments in border areas.

He spoke on Tuesday (Jun. 9) during his meeting with 3,318 displaced families at the Sla Kram Temporary Settlement in Svay Chek district, Banteay Meanchey province.

He noted that despite the closure of the Cambodia-Thailand land border since mid-2025, some individuals continue to engage in illegal cross-border trade, stressing that enforcement measures must be firm and decisive.

Samdech Techo also underlined that Cambodia has experienced no shortages of essential supplies during the past year of border tensions, reaffirming the country’s ability to remain self-sufficient.

“Even if the Thai border were closed for fifty or one hundred years, Cambodia would not face difficulties,” he said.

He encouraged citizens to support domestically produced goods and noted that Cambodia could also import products from countries such as Viet Nam, Malaysia, China, and Singapore if necessary.

On the occasion, Samdech Techo underscored that the current situation presents an opportunity to strengthen domestic production and expand the national economy, pointing to rapid growth in local manufacturing and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) following the border closure.
=FRESH NEWS