On 17/11, Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen stated that while 5 billion USD in trade turnover might seem modest to Bangkok, it is significant for Thai citizens losing income.
Hun Sen added that Thai agricultural products, including vegetables and fruits, exported to Cambodia were unsellable and had to be returned, due to Cambodian citizens boycotting Thai goods.
"Don't forget that the customer is king. The Cambodian market and the volume of goods Cambodia imports from Thailand are not insignificant," he emphasized.
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Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen speaks in Phnom Penh on 3/4. *AFP* |
However, the Cambodian Senate President also urged citizens not to pursue an extreme boycott of Thai goods. He cited the example of products manufactured in Cambodia, such as cement in Kampot province, which remain Cambodian products even if Thai-owned. The closure of such factories would cause more harm to Cambodia.
Regarding border crossings, Hun Sen reiterated that Cambodia is not pleading with Thailand to reopen them, even if the border "remains closed for a hundred years". He emphasized that this stance needs to be clearly conveyed to Thai leaders for their understanding.
"Thailand itself closed the border crossings, so the responsibility to reopen them rests with them," Hun Sen stated, adding that he opposes any proposals from Cambodian political groups calling for the border's reopening.
The Cambodian Senate President also called for promoting domestic production and seeking alternative markets to reduce dependence on imports from Thailand.
Thailand closed border crossings with Cambodia on 7/6, with Cambodia taking similar retaliatory action. Sporadic border clashes have since caused trade and travel between the two nations to stagnate.
Border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia recently escalated after Bangkok suspended a peace agreement with Phnom Penh. Thailand accused Cambodia of continuing to lay landmines at the border, violating ceasefire terms.
Unexpected gunfire occurred in the border area between the two countries on the night of 12/11, resulting in one Cambodian fatality and three injuries. Both armies accused the other of initiating fire.
Ngoc Anh (*Fresh News, Khmer Times, Yahoo News*)
