Since the escalation of border disputes between Cambodia and Thailand, the Thai side has repeatedly issued threats to Cambodia, including 'cutting off electricity' and 'cutting off the internet.' Cambodia's former Prime Minister Hun Sen responded that even without relying on Thai oil, Cambodia could still survive. Such a move is a double-edged sword and may significantly damage Thailand’s own economy.
On the evening of the 20th, Senate President and ruling People’s Party Chairman Hun Sen strongly responded on Facebook to a call by a Thai opposition party for the Thai government to halt oil exports to Cambodia in order to force Cambodia to "compromise" on the border issue, sharply denouncing this move as "a dangerous game that could lead to self-destruction."
Hun Sen stated that even if Cambodia stopped importing oil from Thailand, the country could still operate normally. On the contrary, Thailand’s PTT Oil Company might face huge losses. Hun Sen questioned, "Do you really want PTT to go bankrupt? If yes, then go ahead!" He further reminded the Thai side that before using oil as a bargaining chip, it would be best to reach an agreement with PTT Oil Company, as PTT still has petrol station projects in Cambodia. Any sanctions are highly likely to backfire.
Hun Sen further pointed out that Thailand has previously used the internet, electricity, and Cambodian workers as tools of pressure several times. If all Cambodian workers were truly sent back, Thai factories, farms, and construction sites would shut down on a large scale due to labor shortages. "If you have the guts, just try it and see to what extent the Thai economy will collapse."
● Suggesting the government intensifies the ban on imported Thai canned products
Hun Sen also suggested that the Cambodian government and businesses should gradually reduce their dependence on Thai products. If the border dispute remains unresolved, he proposed suspending the import of all Thai canned products, including alcoholic beverages, energy drinks, canned fish, and meat products, and instead turning to domestic products or supplies from other countries.