Senate president Hun Sen has explained that Cambodia did not expect Thailand to wage war on Cambodia in July, which led to negligence, such as a lack of bulletproof vests.
However, he noted that the Kingdom now has a surplus of flak jackets and helmets, to the point where it is considering accepting export orders.
Speaking at the annual national monastic assembly for 2025 on November 17, he explained the issue, and how it has been resolved.
“Before and after the fighting, did our troops have enough bulletproof vests and helmets? We were negligent because we thought there would be no war. But now, our stocks are more than enough. I hope to export these vests to other nations. The brand is DSS, and I am the producer,” he said.
His remarks were in response to criticism made by some opposition figures, who commented on a visible lack of protective gear seen during the armed clashes of late July.
Although Cambodia now has enough flak vests and helmets, he noted that Cambodia needs peace, and the conflict between the two countries has so far been a lose-lose situation for both sides.
Regarding the unilateral border closure by Thailand, he said he personally would not approve any request to open the border with Thailand, stating that Thailand closed it, and Thailand must be the one to open it.
“I absolutely oppose any proposal from the Cambodian side regarding opening the Cambodia-Thailand border because they closed it. We should not ask them to open it. Don’t be cheap!” he said.
While a large number of Cambodian citizens continue to boycott Thai goods, Hun Sen told citizens to differentiate between goods imported from Thailand and goods from Thai companies produced in Cambodia.
He said that goods from Thai companies produced in Cambodia are Cambodian goods, even if the owners are Thai, which he explained should not be discriminated against.
