The two Vice Presidents of the Senate, Her Royal Highness Princess,
Members of the Senate, Representatives of the Royal Government and colleagues,
His Excellencies, the Ladies and Gentlemen present here,
Please raise your hands in prayer and offer your blessings to the HRH the Queen Mother of the Nation on her birthday
Today, I would like to implement “Article 44” once again and broadcast it live from here, as it is necessary to inform certain issues to our compatriots throughout the country. First of all, on behalf of the members of the Senate here, I would like to raise my hands to pray and bless the Queen-Mother, who, in only two days away, will have HRH birthday celebration. We – the children and great-grandchildren of HRH are happy to celebrate her birthday, while HRH is in good health. Today, my wife, who has been absent for almost three months, also came out to perform the alms-offering ceremony to bless the birthday of the Queen-Mother.
Now, allow me to address three topics that, I believe, are not an infringement on the work of the Royal Government, but in the capacity of one of the national leaders, the head of the ruling party and the president of the Senate, and an institution that supports the Royal Government. (1) I would like to raise the first issue regarding Cambodian workers working in Thailand (for discussion). A few days ago, the Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet issued an appeal regarding our compatriots working in the Kingdom of Thailand. Last night, the Prime Minister also sent an audio message of guidance to the Minister of Foreign Affairs (and International Cooperation), the Minister of Interior, the Minister of Labor, as well as the Governors of the provinces along the Cambodian-Thailand border regarding the return of our brothers and sisters (who are workers in Thailand), in which those who need documents are instructed to go to the embassy and various institutions and consulates. So for those who need documents, instructions have already been given.
The live broadcast here is to send a message to remind those workers – who need to go to the Cambodian embassy or consulate and labor attaché – to listen to the audio message in order to pursue their papers process. However, for those who do not have a document and can travel back to the country, the Royal Government of Cambodia accepts/welcomes them all. (2) as long as they are Cambodian citizens, we accept all of them, regardless of whether they have a document or not. We welcome our citizens back. We will not let them be insulted or mistreated as the racist acts in Thailand against Cambodian workers seem to have heated up. At this point, let me reiterate that those who need a document should go to the embassy. If the travel does not require a document, upon arrival at the border, the Cambodian side does not require any documents, as long as they are Cambodian citizens. They must be accepted, then taken good care of, and transported to their hometowns.
Hence, (3) we will find them jobs. These days, Cambodia lacks tens of thousands of labors in industry, agriculture, and construction. We need to find jobs for our people because as they have left their previous jobs, we needed to have jobs for them in our country. Regarding the bank debts, when I posted on Facebook and Prime Minister Hun Manet posted on Facebook, some of you mentioned (about whether there could be) relief from domestic bank debt. On this matter, on behalf of the Cambodian Senate and the President of the ruling party, I would like to thank the Cambodian Banking Association and the Cambodian Microfinance Association for issuing a statement supporting Prime Minister Hun Manet’s call for relief for those who have bank debt. It is not to cancel the debt, but to receive a grace period on interest payments by deferring or not charging interest for a certain period of time according to your qualifications. I am calling on the banking association and the microfinance association to work hard to help those who have returned from Thailand to Cambodia.
You cannot stay there (in Thailand) for the rest of your lives. This situation (4) (necessitate) us to predict that when the border issue is not over, the situation of insults and discrimination will continue. Therefore, you should leave before you are expelled or subjected to insults and discrimination. It has been quite unfortunate (that our people have had to go for jobs in Thailand) since, initially, we lacked jobs. Now, we have jobs in the country. You should return to our country. I hope you will do that. I am asking that our embassy in Thailand, employment agencies, and consulates coordinate this matter. I urge the border authorities work hard on this matter. The relevant departments must work hard to solve the problems for those of you who have returned. We cannot depend on others for the rest of our lives. We must come to our country. This is the right time. I keep saying that the border issue will not end easily. Well, every time there is a problem, there will always be insults. This time, the heat is even more intense.
(5) Secondly, it is about the opening of the border crossing. I would clarify that the Thai army is the one who closed the border crossing, so the Thai army must be the one who opened it. Cambodia has no need to negotiate on this issue. There has been a request for negotiations. Is it appropriate for a negotiation like this, (in the event that there is) a violation of the agreement between the two countries on the border crossing issue that was agreed upon? They closed the border crossing themselves, and when they need to open it, they themselves ask for a negotiation, in order not to lose face. They are dragging Cambodia into losing face with them. Cambodia is an honorable, dignified and responsible country. I hope that the Thai side will be responsible for what it has done. That Thailand sounds out conditions for a negotiation to open (the border crossings), Cambodia will not accept it. I am seeking the understanding from the Thai people that they should not blame the Cambodian government for closing the Doung border crossing, which prohibits hundreds of trucks transporting fruits and vegetables into Cambodia and through to Vietnam every day.
For what it was, today we could have closed the import of vegetables and fruits on the entire border into Cambodia. Thanks to the conversation between myself and the Prime Minister (of Thailand), and between Prime Minister Hun Manet and the Prime Minister of Thailand, we (have decided) to postpone it for 24 hours. (6) If the Thai side does not agree to open the border (again), tomorrow we will start implementing the banning of import of (Thai) fruits and vegetables into Cambodia across the border. Right now, Cambodia does not need to import anything (in). I would like to recommend that we should try to collect and buy (more local fruits) that our brothers and sisters have (produced) to distribute to the troops along the border. Those charitable persons can buy vegetables and fruits from our brothers and sisters and distribute them to the troops, or to orphanages, or to training centers for soldiers, police, etc. That is not difficult to do.
As for Thai citizens, they should protest with the Thai soldiers themselves, because the Thai soldiers are the ones closing the border, not the Cambodians. I ask that Thais should not be angry with the Cambodians. This is the result of the Thai military’s violation of the law. Everyone knows how it is in Thailand. We understand. We know. (7) From the (Thai) government to the Prime Minister, no one seems to have right to say whether to open or close (the border crossing). As in here (Cambodia), there is only the Prime Minister, and we have only one unified command from top to bottom, including the Senate and the National Assembly, the legislative bodies, all levels of administration, including the armed forces – are under the same person.
We have no idea of what has happened (in Thailand). It’s Thailand’s business. We don’t interfere, but why, after meeting with the President of the Cambodian Senate, and the Cambodian Prime Minister, the Prime Minister of Thailand doesn’t have the right to open (the border crossings). On the Cambodian side, I would like to clarify that if Thailand opens (the border) at 1(am), the longest (it takes for Cambodian to decide) is five hours (later). I am saying that if Thailand opens the border at 1(am), while we are busy sleeping and don’t know about it, that’s why I say the longest (for Cambodia to take action) is five hours (later). If (it happens) during the day, it will take only one or two hours, and Cambodia opens it normally. It would be very easy to do. As they were the one that issued an order to close (the border crossings) unilaterally, they should be the one to just withdraw the order, and it would be over. There is no need for negotiations. That would be a long fish needs to be cooked in a long pan.
(8) Cambodia does not allow its honor to be involved in the mistakes done by others. You are the one who tied, so you must untie it. There is no part for Cambodia to help solve this problem. Cambodia has already done its part. That you have said, “Cambodia has misapprehended,” let me clarify that “Cambodia has not misapprehended.” You warned Cambodia that “you will cut off the electricity” […] “cut off the internet.” Well, we know how to take ownership. Therefore, (the Thai) internet sellers will also lose income from (selling) the internet (to Cambodia). We are considering and let us say in advance that the possibility of blocking Thai goods from entering Cambodia is a high possibility if the border is not reopened. (9) I am appealing to the Cambodian citizens to be patient. (and when there is) a ban on (importing) vegetables and fruits (from Thailand), I am asking the Cambodians to not take the opportunity to raise prices during that time. We need to use local goods that do not have to worry about chemicals. In doing so, we are not instilling nationalism.
(10) I have said it from the beginning that do not let the conflict spread from one place to another, from one sector to another. But the (Thai) side thinks that this is Cambodia’s weakness. You are wrong to have thought that and spread (the conflict) to other sectors, including trade and transit of people. You are really wrong. I am telling you honestly, even the situation from 2008 to 2011, it did not spread (from border to other sector). Let me remind you that at that time, there was a Mekong-Japan meeting in Tokyo. Former Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva announced in Tokyo that he would close the Cambodia-Thai border.
Arriving in Pochentong (the Phnom Penh International Airport), I announced that “if (Thailand) dares to close the border, Cambodia will announce a ban on all Thai goods.” At that time, Abhisit Vejjajiva did not proceed to closing it. Why are you doing this now? (In the backdrop of that,) Cambodia must implement its firm approach. We must replace (imported products) with domestic products that we can produce and must use goods from countries other than Thailand. We have sent this message before, but we would like to reiterate it. The Royal Government is ready and doing everything to reduce dependence on Thailand.
(11) Some have commented, especially students (who are studying in Thailand), saying, “What about us?” let me advise you, if they allow you to continue studying, then continue studying. If you can’t stand it, come back to Cambodia. Come and study in Cambodia. There will be scholarships to study in Cambodia. If the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports and the government cannot be held responsible, I will pay for the study. I will take responsibility for that. If they are harassed while studying.
As for the border crossings, the Thai military closed them, so the Thai military themselves must open them. Cambodia will adjust them to the state of they were accordingly. That’s it. It only takes half an hour and it’s over. Just issue a proclamation and the border crossings will be open from 6 am to 10 pm, that’s it. That’s done. Cambodia will announce the reopening of the crossings and announce that the goods and services will be back as before. Let me also inform (12) patients who have been treated in Thailand, they can return to the country for treatment. I heard that they refused to provide treatment. If they don’t give you treatments, come for treatment in our country.
(13) The third issue is that Cambodia has referred (the disagreement on the four areas) to the ICJ or the International Court of Justice. It is a coincidence. On June 15, 1962, 63 years ago, that is yesterday, His Majesty the late King Father succeeded in the trial at the court. Yesterday, (the Deputy Prime Minster) and Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn signed and submitted (the document) to the ICJ on the same day. It is a coincidence. This is the letter that was submitted. Other cases will be submitted later. (14) Why do we have to take this issue to the ICJ? This is because the two sides cannot agree on the four areas. They cannot have agreements. If the two sides cannot find agreement, we must take the option of peace and the option of applying international law. Both (methods) are peaceful. The bilateral mechanism of negotiation is peaceful, and the mechanism of going to court is peaceful. This does not mean that submitting a case to the International Court is a war-making one.
It is clear. Even in the past few days, (the situational development) has sufficiently proved that they wanted to fight rather than to seek peace through the courts. (15) They (said) that “if that place is wanted, there has to be a fight.” Cambodia is not lacking in weapons or strength to fight, but Cambodia does not want to fight. Cambodia has shown its will. Cambodia has the strength to resist all eventualities, but Cambodia does not want to fight with anyone. Cambodia will only defend its territory. The border (between the two countries) stretches more than 800 kilometers. These four points – the Mom Bei area, Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Moan Toch Temple, and Ta Krabey Temple – cannot be reconciled bilaterally, (even) for another 100 years or 200 years, and would be the reason/source for the outbreak of war between the two nations and countries.
Therefore, we choose a peaceful solution through negotiations and through the application of the law. (16) I hope that countries in the world that are implementing a policy of respecting international law, avoiding the use of force or the threat of force, will support Cambodia in seeking a peaceful solution, through bilateral negotiations and through judicial mechanisms. Anyone who evades the court means that s/he is guilty. To put it bluntly. Only thieves are afraid of the court. If you are pure, you should not be afraid of the court. For example, among ASEAN countries, Malaysia and Indonesia are giving good example of going to court together. Singapore and Malaysia also go to court together.
This is a solution that allows each country’s government to avoid public criticism. Each government cannot point out, “ok, I withdraw, and I give this part to you.” It is impossible to say this. But (17) if the court comes to a decision, we respectfully accept the court’s ruling. We explain to the people that the court has found such a point. Then we must give up that place. This is a good way. If we just fight, how much blood will be shed? So, I think, let’s call on countries that do not want war, want to find a peaceful solution, to support the process by which Cambodia brings the case to the international court.
(On the common border that stretches) over 800 kilometers, we only take four points to resolve (in the ICJ). We consider the land in these four points to be somewhere equal to 50 kilometers or so. Let’s say that’s how much. It’s not even that much. Hence, there are more than 700 kilometers of land left, which we must continue to resolve through bilateral mechanism. This is a statement and information. We are not backing down. I hope that the mechanism (of going to the International Court of Justice) is the only (method to maintain peace). Don’t be afraid. If you have enough integrity, you must dare to go to court. Those who don’t dare to go to court are those who are afraid and have political secrets or something in hiding.
This makes it more understandable why Hun Sen, when he was Prime Minister, ordered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Permanent Representative to the United Nations to vote against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. We have already predicted (that such incident would have come one day). Hun Sen sees through the situation because the situation has indeed occurred and will continue to occur. Therefore (18) We must adopt the attitude of implementing foreign policy based on the law, resolving conflicts peacefully, not using force or threatening to use force against other states in resolving conflicts.
I am appealing to those families inside the country who have children and relatives in Thailand to help arrange for them to return. It is not difficult to have a transportation. During this transitional period, the Royal Government should strive to provide stability and livelihood for these people. They would not be able to bring along rice. Therefore, there must be a supply of rice and some stuff to them. It is possible. It is not impossible.
I am (19) appealing to the Cambodian citizens not to take after (those) extremists in Bangkok led by Sonthi Limthongkul who took Cambodians as enemies. They did so in the past. They continue to do so now. Maybe, Sonthi Limthongkul did not know Hun Sen well before. Even after stepping down as Prime Minister, Hun Sen is still firmly in power in Cambodia. Please do not be mistaken. Hun Sen has not lost power. You must know the title of “Techo” that the King bestowed upon him. Please do not be arrogant and look down on Cambodia. Hun Sen has been involved in governing this country for 47 years. It may be time for you know who Hun Sen really is.
As for Jatuporn Prompan, who previously took refuge in Cambodia and lately joined forces with Sunthi Limthongkul, should tone down his voice a little. Originally, you were a red shirt group and took refuge here. Now you have turned to attack Cambodia. Please tone down your voice. You used to take refuge with me, and you know Hun Sen’s capabilities well. I used to support you. I don’t care what or who you listen to, but the matter of you coming to attack Cambodia, I just advise you (not to do so).
Previously, (this Thai extremist group) have said that (the Thais should) attack Siem Reap and exchange Angkor Wat for Preah Vihear. Well, Cambodia is not an easy banana to peel. You are looking at Cambodia wrongly and confusingly. (20) Led by HM the King Norodom Sihamoni, the reigning monarch, led by Hun Sen and now led by Hun Manet, accompanied by dignitaries from the National Assembly, the Senate, the armed forces and the entire nation, Cambodia is together facing this situation.
We don’t want ASEAN to have a headache with us (on the matter). However, when the ASEAN meeting comes, the Cambodian Prime Minister will surely speak of it. We will speak to foreign countries. If there is an encouragement to carry out fighting, (we would say) there is no need. But if there is encouragement to resolve peacefully through bilateral mechanisms and legal mechanisms at the International Court of Justice, we welcome it. We hope that foreign friends will accept our request. We are not asking for weapons to fight. We only ask for support for peaceful resolution through bilateral mechanisms at the International Court of Justice.
We (21) commend the Joint Border Committee of the two countries for their negotiations. Although there has been result as quickly as expected, we hope that this mechanism will continue to resolve the land border issue according to the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding, which stipulates the use of valid maps. Unilateral maps are not recognized. Unless the map is consistent with the basic map established by the Franco-Siamese Agreement of 1907, which was used continuously until the International Court of Justice in The Hague was brought to a decision in 1962. We do not recognize any map that is different from that. The use of different maps is what leads to the conflict. We use the legal map as recognized internationally and through the Franco-Siamese Agreement of 1907 […]
I hope that the Prime Minister would forgive for my words seem to be infringing on the Prime Minister’s duties, but even though I am not the Prime Minister, I still have the right to speak. I am not saying anything that is different from the Prime Minister’s position. I only want to send a message for the Prime Minister’s success. I hope the Prime Minister does not mind. Thank you. Now (our session) will go back to the agenda (scheduled) because (the discussion according to the article) 44 has been concluded. Next, may I request the Secretary of the Session to check and report on the number of attendees […]./.