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Cambodia bans Thai movies and TV shows

Cambodia suspends Thai entertainment
Cambodia suspends Thai entertainment

16 Jun – Amid the border tension between Cambodia and Thailand, Cambodia recently announced that it is banning TV shows and movies from Thailand, as well as declaring a boycott of Thai goods.

On 13 June, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet announced that his government would act preemptively to be self-reliant in response to Thailand's threats of cutting off electricity and internet connectivity to Cambodia, and its added restrictions at border crossings.

In addition, The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has also issued a new notice announcing the suspension of import and screening of Thai films in all cinemas in Cambodia from 12 noon on 13 June. Cambodian TV channel, People Nation Network has already stated that they will comply with the order by replacing Thai shows with Chinese, Korean or Cambodian dramas.

Thai shows like
Thai shows like "The Legend of Nang Nak" is popular in Cambodia

These retaliatory measures came after former prime minister Hun Sen proposed the ban on 12 June, saying, "I have always called for the issue of military disputes not to spread in one region, to another and not to another sector. But now it's already boiling up like unilateral border closures, unilateral stays, unilateral and fire threats, internet cuts, retail spurs, and some border gates spurs. If this is too much, I would like to advise the government that apart from the issue of lawsuit to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Cambodia should consider stopping all Thai films on Cambodian TV channels and may proceed to stop importing Thai goods to Cambodia as well."

The dispute between Thailand and Cambodia concerns the territorial control over various undemarcated points along their border, drawn up by the French in 1907 when Cambodia became its colony. Last month, a Cambodian soldier was killed following a brief clash with troops in a disputed zone along the Thai-Cambodia border.

Meanwhile, Thailand claimed on 14 June that both countries have made progress in resolving their border dispute following a meeting on 14 June.

Cambodian Minister Lam Chea shakes hands with Thai foreign ministry adviser Prasas Prasasvinitchai on 14 June
Cambodian Minister Lam Chea shakes hands with Thai foreign ministry adviser Prasas Prasasvinitchai on 14 June



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