AKP Phnom Penh, June 26, 2025 --

“Cambodia is not a flip-flopper—what we say, we will do.” That was the key message from Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet in response to Thailand’s inconsistent actions regarding the ongoing border tensions.

Speaking at a graduation ceremony at the Police Academy of Cambodia in Kien Svay district, Kandal province this morning, Samdech Thipadei expressed disappointment over what he described as Thailand’s contradictory decisions concerning its border with Cambodia.

On June 24, the Thai Prime Minister announced the closure of all border checkpoints. Later that evening, however, a spokesperson from Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that no closures had occurred. The following day, Thai authorities opened border gates and took photos—but only allowed crossings for students and emergency medical cases, the Premier recounted.

“Cambodia will not play these kinds of games,” Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet stated firmly. “If we decide to close the border, we will close it. Cambodia is not a tricky player—we take responsibility for our actions.”

The Prime Minister added that the decision to open or close the border gates rests entirely with Thailand. Once Thailand makes a decision, Cambodia will respond within five hours.

“It was Thailand that unilaterally closed the border checkpoints, so they can just as easily open them again. There’s no need for negotiation,” he said.

“I don’t know what’s going on in Thai politics right now—whether the power lies with the government or the military. What I do know is that if Thailand reopens the borders to normal operations as they were before June 7, 2025, everything will return to normal within five hours,” he added.

Samdech Thipadei emphasised that Cambodia will not use the livelihoods of ordinary people as a political tool or means of pressure.

By Heng Panha