PHNOM PENH — In a bold move that underscores escalating tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, Cambodian authorities have issued sweeping bans on Thai cultural broadcasts, following a high-profile recommendation from Senate President Hun Sen.

In a Facebook post on June 12, Hun Sen—who is also president of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party—called on the government to not only file a complaint against Thailand at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over recent border disputes, but to consider halting the import of Thai goods and media. Among his most immediate suggestions: a nationwide stop to Thai films on Cambodian television. Hun Sen argued that Cambodia should not fear retaliation in the form of worker expulsions, stating that Thailand would also suffer economically if it lost Cambodian labor. “This is difficult for us, but Thailand itself is also difficult,” he wrote. “Thai companies lack labor, which partially affects the Thai economy.” Within hours of his statement, the Ministry of Information issued an official directive mandating all Cambodian television stations to cease airing Thai content beginning at 12:00 PM on June 12. Broadcasters were urged to comply “with a high sense of responsibility.”

The media freeze was followed by a second announcement on June 13 from the Khmer Boxing Federation, ordering television stations and partner companies to stop broadcasting Thai male and female athletes on TV or in arenas. The directive effectively bans televised Muay Thai matches and any Thai athlete appearances, a cultural touchpoint long popular in Cambodia.

While the move is being framed as a patriotic stand for sovereignty, it also marks a symbolic unraveling of decades of cross-cultural media exchange between the neighboring nations. Analysts suggest the rapid escalation is likely a response to rising Thai nationalist rhetoric, including recent threats from Thai extremists to sever internet and electricity supplies to Cambodia. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has already moved to end the country’s reliance on Thai internet bandwidth and declared the Kingdom’s energy independence this week too.

The cumulative actions reflect a growing shift toward self-reliance in both infrastructure and cultural identity—steps that could realign Cambodia’s diplomatic posture in the region.

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