AKP Phnom Penh, June 19, 2025 --

Cambodian Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen has briefed H.E. Dato’ Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia, on the current Cambodia-Thailand border tensions, according to Senate Spokesperson H.E. Chea Thyrith.

During the meeting, held this morning at the Senate Palace in Phnom Penh, Samdech Techo Hun Sen requested H.E. Dato’ Sri Tiong King Sing to convey the information to the Prime Minister of Malaysia, who currently holds the 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship.

The Senate President outlined the escalation of tensions after a brief armed clash on May 28 that resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier. He further cited Thailand’s unilateral border closures, and threats to cut off electricity and internet services, etc. as additional provocations.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen emphasised that Cambodia is committed to a peaceful resolution, and has submitted four sensitive areas — Mom Bei area and Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Tauch, and Ta Krabei temple complexes — to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for adjudication.

On the topic of bilateral cooperation, both sides acknowledged the strong potential for tourism collaboration between Cambodia and Malaysia.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen proposed expanding tourism exchanges and facilitating easier travel for citizens of both nations. He also expressed interest in increasing direct flights from Malaysia to Cambodia, particularly to Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, in addition to existing flights to Phnom Penh, to further boost the tourism sector.

By Heng Panha