Samdech Techo Hun Sen: Cambodia Never Requested Thailand to Reopen the Border

Samdech Techo Hun Sen: Cambodia Never Requested Thailand to Reopen the Border

Phnom Penh, November 4, 2025 — Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia, has expressed concern that the issue of reopening the Cambodia–Thailand border checkpoints is being used for political gain ahead of Thailand’s upcoming elections.

In a Facebook post released on the evening of November 4, 2025, Samdech Techo underlined that since the signing of the Joint Statement between Cambodia and Thailand, facilitated by Malaysian Prime Minister H.E. Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim in his capacity as ASEAN Chair and U.S. President Donald J. Trump as the Peace Envoy, both sides have achieved significant progress. This includes the successful convening of the Joint Boundary Committee (JBC) and the Regional Border Committee (RBC) meetings, along with the initial withdrawal of heavy weaponry from disputed areas, under the supervision of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT).

“These developments represent an encouraging step toward easing tensions and restoring mutual confidence between Cambodia and Thailand — a progress we should all welcome,” Samdech Techo stated.

However, Samdech Techo cautioned the Cambodian public against misunderstanding the issue of border reopening, noting that certain Thai leaders have repeatedly raised the matter, possibly as part of domestic political campaigns.

“The repeated remarks by Thai leaders, including the Prime Minister, about reopening the border have created public confusion — leading some to mistakenly believe that Cambodia has requested Thailand to reopen the checkpoints,” Samdech Techo clarified.

He further emphasized that Cambodia has never requested Thailand to reopen its border checkpoints, since the closures were Thailand’s unilateral decision. “If Thailand wishes to keep them closed for another 100 or even 500 years, that is entirely their right. The key is in Thailand’s hands,” Samdech Techo affirmed.

The President of the Senate also highlighted that the closure has not weakened Cambodia, but rather stimulated domestic economic resilience. “This situation has encouraged the growth of local industries and increased domestic production, reducing reliance on imported Thai goods,” he added.

Samdech Techo concluded by reaffirming Cambodia’s firm stance of patience, self-reliance, and peaceful cooperation, while urging both nations to continue working toward lasting peace, stability, and mutual respect.