HUN SEN Clarifies to public: “CAMBODIA NEVER REQUESTED THAI TO REOPEN BORDER”

November 4, 2025 — Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia, posted on his social media channel that notable progress has been made since the signing of the Joint Statement between Cambodia and Thailand. The agreement, facilitated by the Malaysian Prime Minister in his capacity as ASEAN Chair and U.S. President Donald Trump as Peace Envoy, has led to the convening of JBC and RBC meetings and the initial withdrawal of heavy weaponry from the disputed area under the supervision and verification of the ASEAN Observers Team (AOT).

Samdech Techo Hun Sen described this as a step toward ending or easing tensions between the two countries but said it was necessary to inform the Cambodian people not to misunderstand the reopening of the Cambodia–Thailand border checkpoints. He noted that some Thai leaders have repeatedly raised the topic, possibly turning it into a campaign issue for the upcoming elections in Thailand.

He said the repeated remarks by Thai leadership, regarding the reopening of border checkpoints have caused confusion among the Cambodian and Thai public, leading some to believe that Cambodia has requested Thailand to reopen the border.

Samdech Techo reaffirmed that ever since Thailand unilaterally closed the border, Cambodia has never asked Thailand to reopen it. “If Thailand wants to keep it closed for another 100 or even 500 years, that is their decision. The key is in Thailand’s hands,” he said.

Samdech Techo added that this closure has not led to Cambodia’s downfall but has created opportunities by prompting an increase in domestic goods and stimulating local production growth.