Senate President Warns Against Smuggling of Thai Goods, Urges Support for Domestic Production

PHNOM PENH, April 17, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia’s Senate president Samdech Techo Hun Sen has warned individuals involved in smuggling goods from Thailand to stop immediately, urging consumers to back domestic production and reduce reliance on imports.

In an audio message released late April 15, Samdech Techo said those continuing such activities “do not understand their own nationality” and questioned whether they feared “bad karma” and public condemnation.

His remarks were made in response to comments attributed to commentator Seng Sary.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen said border conditions meant normal cross-border trade should not be expected to resume soon, stressing that the import of Thai goods through unofficial channels must end.

He argued Cambodia already has sufficient domestic supply and does not need products from a country he said restricts Cambodian exports.

The Senate president urged cooperation between Cambodia and Thailand to curb illegal trade, allowing both sides to better manage imports and exports while strengthening domestic industries.

He encouraged consumers to prioritise locally made products or goods from other countries, saying this stance was consistent with World Trade Organization rules but reflected national economic choice.

“If there are no buyers, there will be no sellers,” Samdech Techo Hun Sen said, adding that reducing demand would naturally eliminate smuggling activity.

He also cautioned that border reopening should not be expected in the near future, reiterating his call for an end to illegal flows and stressing the need to protect Cambodia’s economic stability and sovereignty.