Cambodia bans Thai film from broadcast and screening

Cambodia has decided to stop television broadcasts of all Thai films, effective from midnight on June 12th. Importation and screening of Thai films in all cinemas across the country are also banned, as of noon today, according to the Khmer Times.

The Khmer Times reported today that the Ministry of Information has issued an official notice to all TV stations in Cambodia, requiring them to cease the broadcasting of any type of Thai film, as the ministry urged them to implement this ban to protect national interest and to adapt to the situation.

Meanwhile, the country’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has announced the suspension of imports and screenings of Thai movies in all cinemas, effective from noon today.

These latest retaliatory measures by Cambodia come after former prime minister Hun Sen proposed, in his social media post, an import ban on Thai products and the suspension of the broadcasting of Thai films on Cambodian TV.

The Khmer Times quoted Hun Sen as saying that the measures are symbolic but necessary, to assert Cambodia’s sovereignty and dignity in face of mounting pressure from Thailand.

Hun Sen also expressed concern over the potential expulsion of Cambodian migrants working in Thailand, warning that such an action would not benefit either country.

The action has been taken one day before the meeting in Phnom Penh tomorrow, between Thai and Cambodian delegations, being held within the framework of Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) in an effort to ease border tensions and border disputes.

Thai Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nikorndej Balankura has reiterated Thailand’s intention to resolve its conflicts through peaceful means, via the JBC, the General Border Committee and the Regional Border Committee.