On June 20, Samdech Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Senate, issued a strong statement via Facebook in response to the Thai opposition’s proposal to halt oil exports to Cambodia. Hun Sen labeled the move “a dangerous game” and warned that it could backfire, potentially harming Thailand’s own state-owned oil giant, PTT. He asserted that Cambodia is ready to respond to such threats and suggested Cambodia could shift its import routes and cease importing several Thai goods, including oil, canned food, and alcoholic beverages. Additionally, he emphasized the vital role of Cambodian labor in the Thai economy and criticized past mistreatment of workers. Hun Sen called for long-term strategic thinking beyond 2030, advocating for reduced dependency on Thailand.
Phnom Penh, June 20 – Tensions between Cambodia and Thailand have escalated following a proposal by the Thai opposition party to halt oil exports to Cambodia. In a strongly worded Facebook post, Cambodian Senate President Samdech Hun Sen condemned the move, warning that it could lead to economic consequences for Thailand itself, particularly for its state-owned energy company, PTT.
“Today, the Thai opposition party has proposed that the Thai government stop selling oil to Cambodia in order to pressure Cambodia to surrender in response,” Hun Sen wrote. “We firmly declare that we will not collapse simply because we do not import oil from Thailand. On the contrary, Thailand’s PTT may face the consequences.”
“Today, the Thai opposition party has proposed that the Thai government stop selling oil to Cambodia in order to pressure Cambodia to surrender in response,” Hun Sen wrote. “We firmly declare that we will not collapse simply because we do not import oil from Thailand. On the contrary, Thailand’s PTT may face the consequences.”
Hun Sen questioned whether Thailand is prepared to handle the fallout from such an action, hinting at the vulnerability of PTT’s operations in Cambodia. “Are you serious about the collapse of Thailand's PTT? If so, then proceed with your plan,” he challenged.
The former Prime Minister also reaffirmed Cambodia’s readiness to confront any economic or diplomatic pressure from Thailand, stating that the country is fully prepared to manage critical sectors such as oil, electricity, internet access, and labor.
Hun Sen further criticized the historical mistreatment of Cambodian migrant workers in Thailand, accusing Thai authorities of discrimination and using workers as political pawns. “If Cambodian workers leave factories, farms, companies, and construction sites, many of these businesses will have to close down due to labor shortages,” he warned. “If you are really brave, fire all Cambodian workers and see how this will affect the Thai economy.”
He also suggested that Cambodia consider redirecting its import routes and reducing dependency on Thai products. If border tensions continue, Hun Sen proposed suspending the import of Thai canned goods, energy drinks, alcoholic beverages, and other products in favor of local or third-country alternatives.
“Cambodian people should have a broad vision, look beyond borders, and the future beyond 2030,” he added.
Hun Sen called on the Cambodian government and local business operators to seriously evaluate alternatives to Thai imports, framing the current standoff as a wake-up call for greater national economic resilience.