PHNOM PENH, June 13, 2026 — Cambodia’s Acting Head of State and President of the Senate, Samdech Techo Hun Sen, has issued a strong warning to corrupt officials and unscrupulous traders involved in the illegal importation of Thai goods into Cambodia, stressing that any products entering through the land border while crossings remain closed should be considered smuggled and illegal.

In a statement posted on his official Facebook page on June 13, Hun Sen said there may be deliberate misinterpretations, corruption, or legal violations by certain officials and traders, which have allowed newly manufactured Thai products to continue appearing on Cambodian markets despite the ongoing closure of the Cambodia–Thailand land border.

He emphasized that as long as the land border between Cambodia and Thailand remains closed, all goods crossing through land border checkpoints are illegal and constitute smuggled products.

“When the land border is closed, people cannot cross, and goods cannot cross either,” Hun Sen stated, adding that any products found to have entered through land routes should be treated as clear violations of the law.

The Acting Head of State clarified that the movement of people and goods by sea and air remains operational under normal procedures and is subject to inspection and regulation by customs authorities, which are responsible for determining whether imported goods comply with Cambodian law.

Hun Sen also rejected claims that Thai products currently available in Cambodian markets are merely old stock. He noted that some of the products on sale were manufactured in 2026, despite the fact that the land border has been closed for nearly a year.

“If these goods are truly old inventory, why are products manufactured in 2026 appearing on the Cambodian market?” he asked, adding that many allegedly “old” products should already have reached or exceeded their expiration dates.

He called on customs authorities, law enforcement agencies, and relevant institutions to strengthen enforcement measures against smuggling activities along the land border, arguing that it is illogical for land crossings to remain closed while goods continue to enter the country.

Hun Sen further urged Cambodian consumers to exercise their purchasing power responsibly by refusing to support illegally imported products and avoiding spending money on goods that could undermine national interests.

Meanwhile, Mut Ry, a resident of Preah Vihear province who was displaced by the Thailand-Cambodia border conflict, previously told Baitong Post (BTP) that she supports stronger efforts to prevent the illegal importation of Thai goods and called on government officials, relevant authorities, and the Cambodian public to boycott Thai products entering the country unlawfully.

According to Mut Ry, reducing dependence on Thai products would contribute to protecting national interests, supporting government policies, and strengthening Cambodia’s economy by encouraging consumers to purchase locally made goods and support domestic enterprises.

“As someone directly affected by the border conflict and forced to leave my home because of the fighting, I believe supporting Cambodian products is not only about helping farmers, producers, and small businesses,” she said. “It is also a demonstration of national solidarity and a contribution to protecting Cambodia’s sovereignty and national interests.”

She also encouraged citizens to continue supporting locally produced goods and to report any suspected smuggling activities to authorities, arguing that public participation is essential to enforcing the law and safeguarding the country’s economic interests.

Mut Ry’s appeal comes as the Cambodian government continues to intensify efforts against smuggling and promote domestic production as part of a broader strategy to strengthen national economic resilience and support local industries.

Observers note that stronger law enforcement, combined with public support for locally made products, could help reduce illegal trade, create a fairer market environment for Cambodian producers, and contribute to the country’s long-term economic development and self-reliance.