A Warning to "Hun Sen": The shortage of goods is not Thailand’s fault — it’s Cambodia’s own misstep.
—
prat samsee
When Samdech Hun Sen made a late-night statement blaming Thailand for unilaterally closing the Poipet border and held Thailand responsible if Thai goods disappear from Cambodian markets — the real question should be: “What did Cambodia do first?”
The border closure didn’t happen in a vacuum. It is a consequence of rising military tensions and Cambodia’s repeated violations of neighborly principles — including unannounced troop reinforcements near the border, encampments in sensitive zones, and, most critically, provocative claims over Thai territory. These actions have placed pressure on the Thai government to defend its sovereignty and national security.
If Thailand chooses to “close the border” because it sees bilateral trade being weaponized for political leverage, then such action is a legitimate form of self-defense. Especially when the other side chooses not to de-escalate but instead fuels ethnic nationalism via social media and high-ranking officials.
As for Hun Sen’s claim that “Thailand exports more to Cambodia, so Thailand will suffer more,” it reflects a one-sided perspective focused only on raw numbers, while ignoring the broader context: Thailand doesn’t rely on any one market. Its exports are diverse. Cambodia, on the other hand, is heavily dependent on Thai goods — from food and fuel to construction materials and everyday necessities.
What’s truly concerning is that it’s the Cambodian people who will bear the brunt of their own leader’s political maneuvering. While Thailand can redirect its exports to Laos, Vietnam, or through international ports, Cambodia has far fewer options. Losing access to trade with Thailand will inevitably impact ordinary Cambodians across the country.
Finally, Hun Sen’s appeal to Cambodians to “not blame the government” ironically highlights a sad truth: Even if there’s nothing left on store shelves, the leadership refuses to reflect on whether its own actions have led the country into this deadlock.
Let it be clear: Thailand did not initiate this tension. But we cannot remain passive in the face of territorial provocation and power displays that go against the norms of sovereign relations. If Hun Sen truly wishes to see the border reopened, there is only one path forward:
“Cambodia must step back from provocation and accept the reality.”