Hun Sen's message came after a Cambodian businessman named Duong Chhay called on the country's people to boycott Thai goods. Hun Sen spoke out against the boycott and called on people to remain calm and not deliberately escalate the dispute between the two countries.
According to official trade data in 2024, Cambodia exports more than $1.1 billion worth of goods to Thailand, while Thailand exports more than $5.2 billion to Cambodia, which means the trade surplus is in favor of Thailand.
Thai border guards guard at the barricade after blocking the Khlong Luek border crossing in Aranyaprathet district (Sa Kaeo province) on June 7
Photo: Facebook Thai Government PR Agency
Border jam between Thailand and Cambodia
The Bangkok Post reported on June 8 that thousands of people were trapped at the Khlong Luek-Poipet border gate on the evening of June 7 because the Thai side suddenly adjusted the opening hours, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day, instead of from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. as it has been for a long time.
The Khmer Times newspaper on June 8 also reported "Chaos and crowding at Poipet international border gate after Thailand restricts border opening hours".
Specifically, the functional forces at the Poipet border gate (Banteay Meanchey province) recorded a sudden increase in the number of people flocking to the border gate area, causing congestion on the morning of June 8. This situation is because many Cambodian citizens and foreigners are concerned about Thailand's new restrictions at the border gate, so they quickly find a way to cross the border.
While international border crossings have had their opening hours shortened, all bilateral border crossings have been closed, according to The Khmer Times.
In the context of tension, border officials on both sides said that they continue to dialogue and coordinate to support people to cross the border smoothly, minimizing congestion and causing confusion in the area.
