Phnom Penh: Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen recently took to Facebook to address a proposal by Thailand’s opposition party to halt oil sales to Cambodia. Hun Sen’s post, written in Thai, mocked the idea as a “game of threats that may lead to self-destruction,” emphasizing that it would be Thai companies that suffer the consequences.

According to Thai News Agency, Hun Sen asserted that Cambodia would not falter if oil imports from Thailand were suspended. Instead, he warned that the Thai PTT company could face severe repercussions. He questioned whether Thailand was prepared to see PTT collapse as a result of such a strategy, noting that Cambodia is fully equipped to handle threats concerning vital resources like oil, internet, electricity, and labor.

Hun Sen’s message highlighted past instances where Cambodian workers were underestimated and used as leverage. He recalled how Thailand’s attitude shifted when Cambodia threatened to repatriate its workers, which would have adversely impacted Thai industries r
eliant on Cambodian labor. He challenged Thailand to dismiss all Cambodian workers to see the potential economic damage, suggesting that a similar scenario could unfold with oil.

Hun Sen proposed that the Cambodian government and businesses consider reducing their reliance on Thai imports, advocating for the purchase of goods from other countries. He suggested a potential suspension of canned goods and beverages from Thailand if border issues remain unresolved. The Prime Minister urged Cambodians to broaden their perspectives, looking beyond the country’s borders and planning for a future post-2030.