No power cut yet, Cambodia misreads Thailand's power cut plan - Paetongtarn

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra confirmed today that Thailand has not yet cut power or internet connections to Cambodia, contrary to what is being widely misunderstood in Cambodia.

She admitted, however, that doing so is part of a contingency plan being prepared, in case border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia escalate.

Apparently, due to the misunderstanding, she said, Cambodia has announced that it has decided to stop buying power and internet services from Thailand, claiming the country has sufficient electricity and can seek internet services from other sources.

Cambodia has also banned the broadcasting and screening of Thai films.

The prime minister said she has instructed Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa to find the source of the disinformation, which is causing the misunderstanding in Cambodia, adding she hopes the JBC meeting tomorrow in Phnom Penh, between the delegations of the two countries to ease tensions, will be able to resolve the misunderstanding.

Meanwhile, Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn offered an assurance that Cambodian migrant workers can still work in Thailand and that the Thai government has no plan to expel them from the country.

There are about 500,000 Cambodians working in Thailand, said the minister, adding that they are, however, free to return home if they so wish.