Cambodia’s Hun Sen calls for Thai film ban amid rising tensions
Hun Sen warned Thai aggression is spilling into civilian life
Cambodia is threatening to pull the plug on Thai culture and commerce as tensions with Thailand continue to boil over.
Senate President Hun Sen has urged the Royal Government of Cambodia to consider banning Thai films and halting imports of Thai goods, citing rising hostility from Thai extremist groups. The bold remarks were made in a fiery social media post, where Hun Sen criticised what he described as “pro-war” factions in Thailand stoking regional instability.
“In the past, Thai extremist groups, supported by pro-war military factions, have threatened Cambodia with power and Internet cutoffs. But what power are they referring to when Cambodia doesn’t even rely on Thai electricity? And what Internet, when Cambodia already has sufficient access?” he said.
The former prime minister accused Thai groups of overstepping their boundaries and warned that simmering military tensions were now spilling into civilian life. He referenced unilateral border closures, restricted visitor stays, threats to cut essential utilities, and rogue actions at border checkpoints as examples of how the conflict has escalated.
“Given this trend of extremism, I would like to suggest to the Royal Government that, in addition to filing a complaint with the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Cambodia should also consider suspending the broadcast of Thai films on all Cambodian television channels. The country may also consider halting the import of Thai goods altogether.”
Hun Sen also dismissed concerns over potential retaliation, especially fears that Cambodia could face the mass return of its citizens working in Thailand.
“Cambodia should not fear the repatriation of Cambodian migrant workers from Thailand. This is a hardship for both countries—Thailand itself would also suffer, as Thai companies are facing labour shortages, which have already negatively impacted the Thai economy to some extent.”
Although no official action has yet been taken, Hun Sen emphasised that banning Thai films from Cambodian airwaves should be the government’s first move, according to Cambodia’s Ministry of Information.
“All these points are for consideration, but the immediate action should be to stop broadcasting Thai films on Cambodian television.”
The remarks have added fuel to an already tense cross-border relationship, raising questions about how far each side is willing to go in the ongoing war of words.
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