Phnom Penh: Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate and leader of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), has put forward six measures for Cambodia to consider if Thailand continues its refusal to reopen border checkpoints, which were closed unilaterally by Thailand.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the CPP President emphasized that Cambodia should undertake specific actions if the border checkpoints remain closed. The proposed measures include suspending the import of Thai goods into Cambodia, thereby replacing them with domestic products or imports from other countries. Additionally, Hun Sen suggested that Cambodia should actively seek both domestic and international markets for its agricultural exports, which were previously destined for Thailand.
The CPP leader also recommended that patients who typically sought medical treatment in Thailand be redirected to local healthcare facilities or to institutions in other countries. He highlighted the need for Cambodia to prepare for the return of its workers from Thailand, where they face severe discrimination. Hun Sen noted that Cambodia is currently experiencing a labor shortage in various sectors, including industrial, agricultural, and construction.
Furthermore, Hun Sen called for the armed forces to remain on high alert, prepared to respond to any acts of aggression. He also urged provinces near the border to make arrangements for the evacuation of residents to safer locations and to ensure the availability of essential supplies such as food and medicine.
Despite these measures, Hun Sen urged the public to refrain from extremist actions against Thai entities and stressed the importance of not fostering racial hatred towards the Thai people. He attributed the border issues to extremist groups and certain military factions, rather than the Thai populace or its government.