According to Cambodian media reports on September 23, the Chairman of the Cambodian Senate, Hunson, who has always remained silent on the issue of re-opening the border with Cambodia, finally broke the silence and clearly highlighted Cambodia's firm position through social media flags: never beg Thailand to re-open the border, even if Thailand will close the border for another 100 years, Cambodia is not afraid.
He emphasized that while the Cambodian conflict is still in the ceasefire phase, he intended to avoid border issues, with the aim of avoiding the casualties of soldiers and civilians and preventing public and private property and infrastructure from being destroyed by the conflict. But at this moment, I must talk about the high-profile topic of Cambodia-Thailand border crossings. On social media, our brothers and sisters discussed this in full swing, but politicians, military generals and civil officials collectively lost their voices. In Thailand, on the other hand, from top leaders to grassroots people, all walks of life have taken a tough attitude and made it clear that they will continue to close the border。” Hun Sen wrote so on social media.
He explained in detail that since the unilateral closure of the border by the Thai military, Cambodia has alwaysined a relentless attitude and has never asked Thailand to reopen the border. Cambodia is only clearly informing Thailand that since the border is closed by Thailand, the reopening should also be dominated by Thailand, without the need for tough negotiations. Once Thailand decides to reopen, Cambodia will quickly follow up and complete the border reopening work in just five hours.
“ Cambodia’s position is rocky and will never change because of Thailand.We will never silently beg Thailand to reopen its borders.Even if Thailand actually shuts its borders for 100 years, Cambodia will never go to destruction.“Hunson’s words were loud and showed a tough gesture.
He also expressed his “special thanks” to Thailand, noting that Thailand unilaterally closed its borders and objectively prevented the large influx of Thai goods, creating great opportunities for development of domestic goods in Cambodia.The growing patriotism of the Cambodian population has united and actively supported the use of local products, a trend that will surely inspire a strong momentum for Cambodia’s long-term economic growth.
According to Hunson, no Thai goods have entered the Cambodian market in the past three months, but the domestic market in Cambodia is in good order, the supply of consumer goods is sufficient and the inflation rate remains at a low level.
Recently, given the significant investment of Japan in both Cambodia and Thailand, the Japanese government proposed the reopening of some border ports in order to facilitate cross-border transportation.Hunson has demonstrated a pragmatic diplomatic attitude towards this proposal, and he suggested that Japan communicate directly with Thailand, as Cambodia has long agreed to it.
Finally, the Hunsonian language focused on calling on its compatriots: I hope everyone will be patient and give the Royal Government sufficient time and trust, so that we can continue to properly solve this problem through peaceful means. It is important to bear in mind that war must not be the means to resolve war。”
Hun Sen: ‘Cambodia will not beg Thailand, even if border stays closed for 100 years’