(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen said that Thailand’s unilateral border closure has disrupted not only Cambodia–Thailand relations but also wider regional connectivity across ASEAN, East Asia, and the broader Asian region.

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

“Every meeting, whether international or subregional such as Mekong, JMS, Committees, CLMV, ASEAN, East Asia, or global, always discusses connectivity. But now, connectivity has been lost. Thailand’s border closure with Cambodia is not just a disruption between our two countries; it disrupts connectivity across ASEAN, East Asia and Asia. […] This is not Cambodia’s action!” Samdech Techo underscored.

He expressed hope that the return to peace would produce a win-win outcome, noting that in recent months both sides have suffered. “In the past few months, we have been in a lose-lose situation: Cambodia loses, Thailand loses, and people face hardship, including fleeing and losing trade opportunities,” he added.

Regarding the Cambodia-Thailand border closure, Samdech also emphasised that since Thailand unilaterally closed the border, Cambodia has never requested it to reopen. Even if Thailand keeps it closed for another 100 years, Cambodia will not perish. On the contrary, Cambodia will have the opportunity to strengthen its domestic supply capacity and find alternative sources to replace Thai goods.

It is noted that Thailand closed the border unilaterally on 7 June 2025.
=FRESH NEWS