The Cambodian government has shut down the Doung border crossing in Battambang province. The closure, effective immediately, has led to significant congestion, with many trucks loaded with produce stranded at the border. The decision was made in response to what Cambodia described as “unilateral closures of border checkpoints by the Thai military”. Minister of Interior spokesperson Touch Sokhak stated that the crossing will remain closed until Thailand restores full access to all previously operational border points. “We’ve known about this issue for a long time, but we avoided disrupting people’s livelihoods,” said Senate president Hun Sen on social media. “Now,…
Author: Niem Chheng
Prime Minister Hun Manet has announced that Cambodia will ensure its own supply of electricity and internet services, following threats from Thailand to cut off these essential resources. In a late night social media post this evening, Prime Minister Hun Manet addressed recent reports circulating on Thai social media platforms which suggested that certain extremist groups in Thailand have called for the suspension of electricity and internet services to Cambodia. “To avoid putting the Thai side in a difficult position regarding whether or when to proceed with a disconnection, Cambodia has decided to ensure its own electricity and internet supply,”…
Prime Minister Hun Manet announced that Cambodia will independently secure its electricity and internet supplies​ along the borders in response to reported threats from “extremist groups” in Thailand to disrupt these services. The decision comes amid ongoing border disputes between the two nations, which have fueled tensions and prompted widespread discussions on social media. In a statement addressing the issue tonight, June 12, Manet emphasized Cambodia’s resolve to avoid dependency on external supplies and mitigate potential complications arising from the threats. “To prevent any challenges for the Thai side in deciding whether or when to cut off supplies, Cambodia has…
Ahead of Saturday’s June 14 Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting, Cambodia has firmly stated its intention to bring disputes over four border areas to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at the Hague, while Thailand insists on resolving the matter through existing bilateral negotiations. Cambodia’s position was clearly signalled through the establishment of a committee tasked with preparing a complaint to the ICJ regarding the Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Toch and Ta Krabei temples, as well as the Mum Bei area. This stance was also conveyed by Prime Minister Hun Manet, as he discussed the issue with French President…
Major fashion brands like Hermes, Nike and Lululemon are facing accusations of climate “greenwashing”, with a new report from international non-government watchdog Business & Human Rights Resource Centre claiming that their bold decarbonisation pledges overlook the plight of garment workers in Cambodia. The report, The Missing Thread, suggests that while 44 of 65 global brands commit to cutting emissions by 2030, none have plans to protect workers from climate impacts or job disruptions in key manufacturing hubs like the Kingdom. In Cambodia, where the garment industry employs over 800,000 workers and accounts for 16% of GDP, factory workers face dire…
The Thai embassy in Phnom Penh has announced stringent new measures to restrict operating hours at multiple land border crossings between Thailand and Cambodia, even as tensions at the border reportedly eased after both side “adjusted” their forces at the border. The changes affect permanent and temporary border crossings across several Thai provinces, with specific provisions for students, restrictions on vehicles and limitations on cross-border activities. The embassy claimed that the measures aim to regulate cross-border movement while addressing local needs and security concerns. The closing of some crossings was implemented last week, including in Thailand’s Chanthaburi, Trat, Sa Kaeo,…
Srae Ambel District in Koh Kong Province was declared mine-free in a June 10 ceremony, with mine clearance efforts supported by assistance from the Government of India. Ly Thuch, first vice-president of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), expressed his gratitude to the Government and people of India. He noted that it has contributed to providing safe land and improving the livelihoods of local communities. “This support demonstrates further progress in strengthening and expanding the bonds of friendship and long-term cooperation between Cambodia and India, contributing to Cambodia’s development and supporting the Royal Government’s efforts in mine…
The “adjustment of military forces” in the disputed zone along the Cambodia-Thailand border has sparked questions and debate on social media, with analysts urging the government to provide swift official updates to counter speculation. From the evening of June 8 to June 9, various opinions surfaced on social media regarding the so-called “adjustments”, particularly at Mum Bei, where a Cambodian soldier was shot dead by Thai forces on May 28. Most comments focused on the “adjustment”, with some interpreting it as a “retreat” and others as a repositioning of troops. Senate president Hun Sen took to social media to clarify…
The Cambodian and Thai militaries met on June 8 and agreed to adjust their military forces to appropriate areas to reduce tensions and confrontations along the border. The stance is intended to ease the tense situation at the border after a brief May 28 clash killied a Cambodian soldier. Senate president Hun Sen took to Facebook to calm the sentiment of Cambodian people who expressed concerns about losing territory. “Adjusting military forces in conflict-prone areas through mutual understanding between the military commanders of both Cambodia and Thailand is essential to avoid large-scale violent clashes. The people of both Cambodia and…
Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, sent a letter to his Thai counterpart Maris Sangiampongsa on June 6, inviting Thailand to jointly bring the ongoing border disputes to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The content of the letter was revealed by the ministry spokesperson Chum Sounry. Sokhonn noted that despite numerous bilateral mechanisms and goodwill efforts aimed at finding a resolution, the longstanding border disputes between the two Kingdoms have persisted for many decades. These unresolved issues have remained a source of recurring misunderstanding and tension and have led to several unfortunate incidents,…