Cambodian Analysts Support Samdech Hun Sen’s Push to Reduce Reliance on Thai Baht

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct. 9, 2025) — Cambodian economic analysts are backing Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen’s call to reduce reliance on the Thai baht and promote use of the Cambodian riel, citing national sovereignty and economic resilience.

In a statement issued earlier this week,Samdech Techo urged Cambodians — particularly those in border areas such as Poipet — to stop using Thai currency in daily transactions. He also called for a crackdown on the smuggling of Thai goods, despite ongoing official border closures.

Ky Sereyvath, an economist and researcher at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, welcomed the appeal, calling it a “positive step” toward strengthening the national economy.

“Thailand doesn’t accept the riel in trade, but we continue to use the baht, especially along the border,” he said. “Stopping the use of Thai baht in these areas is the right move. I fully support this call.”

Sereyvath said shifting public habits toward the riel would help boost its value and promote economic independence. He urged local officials to enforce Hun Sen’s directive by cracking down on cross-border trade in Thai goods to build public trust.

“We’re already seeing signs of increased support for local products as people begin to boycott Thai goods,” he said. “The government should now step in to support these domestic businesses.”

Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, also endorsed Hun Sen’s message. He noted that neighboring countries such as Vietnam, Laos and Thailand do not accept the riel, reinforcing the need for Cambodians to prioritize their own currency.

“Using our national currency is an act of respecting our sovereignty,” Peou said. “We must give value to the riel. It is our duty, and it serves the interests of the nation.”

Peou also called for stricter enforcement against the import of Thai goods, especially amid recent military tensions along the Cambodia–Thailand border. Cambodian officials have reported violations of sovereignty and casualties among soldiers.

“Authorities must take immediate action. It’s unacceptable to allow Thai products into our market while Thai forces are violating our borders,” he said.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen said in his Oct. 6 statement that many residents in Poipet began exchanging baht for riel within hours of his appeal — a move he praised as a sign of patriotism and economic awareness.