Phnom Penh: Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Hun Sen, President of the Senate, has called on the Royal Government of Cambodia to consider suspending the broadcast of Thai films and stopping the import of Thai goods.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the proposal comes amid growing tensions following threats from extremist groups in Thailand to cut off electricity and internet supplies to Cambodia. Samdech Techo Hun Sen questioned the threats via his social media platform, noting that Cambodia does not rely on Thai electricity or internet services.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen has consistently urged that military tensions in one area should not spill over into others or into different sectors. However, it is now evident that the issue has escalated, with examples including unilateral border closures, reduced stay lengths for visitors, and threats to cut essential services, along with unauthorized incursions at border checkpoints.
He suggested that, in addition to filing a complaint with the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Cambodia should consider suspending Thai films on Cambodian television channels and halting the import of Thai goods. He also addressed the potential impact of repatriating Cambodian migrant workers from Thailand, suggesting that such a move would be detrimental to both nations given Thailand’s existing labor shortages.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen emphasized that the immediate action should be to stop broadcasting Thai films on Cambodian television, considering the current trend of extremism.