In a firm response to mounting tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet announced late Wednesday night that the country will officially cease purchasing internet bandwidth from Thailand, citing the need to safeguard national sovereignty and self-reliance in light of recent threats from Thai extremist groups.

The move comes amid escalating rhetoric from factions in Thailand that have proposed cutting off electricity and internet services to Cambodia as political pressure over a long-standing border dispute intensifies. Prime Minister Hun Manet addressed the matter directly in a Facebook post on June 12, declaring that “in order not to delay or make it difficult for the Thai side to decide whether or not to cut off or when to cut off,” Cambodia would take preemptive steps to ensure its own access to critical utilities. “From 12 midnight tonight, all fiber optic network companies or internet operators in Cambodia will stop purchasing internet bandwidth from Thailand,” the Prime Minister wrote. “We have the ability to provide sufficient internet services ourselves.”

The directive, which came following a report by Minister of Posts and Telecommunications Chea Vandet, signifies a broader effort by Phnom Penh to reduce dependency on its western neighbor in light of geopolitical uncertainties. It also aligns with remarks made by Minister of Mines and Energy Keo Rattanak, who affirmed that Cambodia currently imports no electricity from Thailand and has sufficient domestic power generation capacity to meet nationwide demand.

The timing of the announcement coincides with reports that Cambodia’s ambitious $100 million submarine internet cable project, which connects Sihanoukville to Hong Kong, is nearing completion and is expected to be operational by July 2025. The undersea link, under development since 2023, is projected to deliver internet speeds up to ten times faster than current national standards. “Cambodia is moving towards digital independence,” wrote local commentator and influencer Kanitha on her Facebook page, praising the government’s foresight and planning. “Once the new cable goes live, the country will no longer be vulnerable to such threats.”

Beyond the telecommunications and energy sectors, Hun Manet also instructed all government ministries and institutions to conduct contingency planning in the event of further escalations or potential disruptions. “We must prepare in advance to implement additional measures if there is a threat of cutting off or blocking anything else to Cambodia,” the Prime Minister stated.

The ongoing dispute between Cambodia and Thailand over contested territories near the Ta Moan and Ta Krabey temples has reignited nationalist sentiment and cross-border friction. While both sides have pledged to seek resolution through diplomatic channels—including the upcoming Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting—the rhetoric from hardliners has heightened regional anxieties. Hun Manet’s announcement signals a pivot toward self-sufficiency, and a message that Cambodia intends to stand its ground—online and offline.

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