AKP Phnom Penh, July 01, 2025 --

Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has reiterated that Cambodia is not playing a "hide and seek" game regarding the border gate issue.

Speaking this morning at the celebration of the 20th National Fisheries Day 2025 at Boeung Tonle Bati, located in Kraing Thnong commune, Bati district, Takeo province, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet stated that Cambodia neither initiated the border gate closures nor interfered in Thailand’s internal affairs.

“This is not Cambodia’s intention. What we want is peace and development along the border,” he emphasised.

“Cambodia has only been defending itself. We are aware of the consequences of border closures for both sides. We did not begin this practice after the May 28 border clash—it was the Thai authorities who started it on June 7, 2025,” he added.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet further noted that Cambodia's actions have simply been in response to Thailand’s moves. As such, if Thailand now wishes to reopen the border, the key rests with them.

“I hope people on both sides understand this point,” he stressed.

Tensions between Cambodia and Thailand escalated when Thai military forces opened fire on a Cambodian army post in Techo Morokot village, Morokot commune, Choam Khsan district, Preah Vihear province—an area long recognised as Cambodian territory—at around 5:30 a.m. on May 28, 2025. The attack resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier.

By Heng Panha