Hun Sen Urges Temporary Suspension of Cross-Border Movement to Protect Cambodian and Thai Civilians

Hun Sen Urges Temporary Suspension of Cross-Border Movement to Protect Cambodian and Thai Civilians

Phnom Penh, 13 December 2025 — Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Chairman of the Supreme Privy Advisory Council to His Majesty the King, and President of the ruling party, has issued a public consultation to the Royal Government of Cambodia calling for the temporary suspension of cross-border movement between Cambodia and Thailand, amid Thailand’s ongoing military attacks targeting civilian areas.

In a statement posted on his official Facebook page earlier today, Samdech Techo underscored that in recent days, Thai armed forces have carried out indiscriminate military attacks on Cambodian territory, resulting in the killing of Cambodian civilians without distinction of location or target. He noted that Thai forces have used heavy artillery and warplanes to strike not only residential areas but also public infrastructure, including bridges, roads, schools, and pagodas. Toxic gas and cluster munitions have reportedly been deployed in multiple locations.

Crucially, Samdech Techo highlighted that such attacks have occurred even in areas where Thai nationals are living and working inside Cambodian territory, including border zones such as Poipet. Against this backdrop, he formally advised the Prime Minister and the Royal Government to consider suspending all cross-border travel by Cambodian and Thai citizens until a ceasefire is fully and effectively implemented.

Under this proposed measure, Cambodian citizens currently residing and working in Thailand would remain there temporarily, while Thai nationals living and working in Cambodia would likewise remain in Cambodia. Samdech Techo stressed that this recommendation is guided solely by humanitarian considerations, aimed at preventing civilians from being exposed to danger while traveling across the border—particularly in light of the continued risk of military attacks that could endanger lives.

He specifically warned that allowing Thai nationals to travel from Cambodian border areas back into Thailand at this moment could inadvertently place them at risk, as evacuated or emptied locations may become targets of further military strikes by Thai forces themselves.

Samdech Techo called for understanding and cooperation from both Cambodian citizens in Thailand and Thai nationals in Cambodia, emphasizing that the temporary measure is intended to safeguard lives on both sides of the border.

He further urged the Royal Government of Cambodia and relevant authorities to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and protection of Thai civilians currently residing in Cambodia, so that they do not become victims of artillery fire, aerial bombardment, or toxic smoke originating from Thai military operations.

Samdech Techo reaffirmed that Cambodia’s actions remain grounded in humanitarian responsibility, restraint, and the protection of innocent lives, despite the grave security challenges posed by the ongoing conflict.