President of the Cambodian Senate Hun Sen warned that Thailand would suffer the most if it continued to close the border with Cambodia.
Hun Sen's statement came after Thai security forces decided to limit travel at several border crossings bordering Cambodia.
Mr. Hun Sen said that in 2024, Thailand will export more than 5.2 billion USD worth of goods to Cambodia, while imports from Cambodia will only reach 1.1 billion USD. Therefore, if the border is closed, the first country to suffer the damage is Thailand, former Prime Minister Hun Sen stressed.
The move to close the border was implemented early by Thailand at a number of points, including the Aranyaprathet border gate in Sa Kaeo province - one of the main trade routes between the two countries.
The move is believed to be aimed at pressuring Cambodia, amid tensions between the two sides following a gunfight near Chong Bok, Nam Yuen District, Ubon Ratchathani Province on May 28.
Responding to the call to boycott Thai goods from Cambodian businessman Duong Chhay, Mr. Hun Sen affirmed that he did not support extreme measures. The former Prime Minister called on Cambodian people to stay calm, demonstrate maturity, patience and politeness in their behavior.
In case of shortage of goods in Thailand, please do not blame the Royal Government of Cambodia. This shortage is a direct result of Thailand's decision to close the border," he said.
The Senate president also called on Cambodian people not to act excessively or give foreigners an excuse to insult national dignity. I hope people will maintain calmness, maturity, patience and decence, but at the same time, they must also be steadfast - Mr. Hun Sen emphasized.
