Prohibiting Thai Imports Plays into Thailand’s Strategic Plan
People enjoy a provincial town garden near the old Royal residence in Stung Treng— soon to be redeveloped into the Preak Sarak Munti. Sok Vannak
#Opinion
Recently, the governor of Stung Treng province, Sar Soputra, stated, “Cambodia cannot completely prohibit imports from Thailand as we are members of the WTO and ASEAN”, and in response, the governor received criticism for his views. However, it would be unwise for Cambodia to take actions equivalent to the prohibition of the import of Thai goods.
Cambodia’s geopolitical situation has always been complicated, difficult and fraught with danger, and today’s environment is no different. Cambodia must exercise discipline in its foreign relations, military posture, and equally so, its economic and trade policies.
As I have stated in other editorial comments, Cambodia’s contemporary conflict with Thailand draws out of a multi-generational struggle between both states. Multi-generational struggles are not decided or resolved over quick actions or wins; rather, they require long-term strategies that are built on patience.
Cambodia must not be enticed into taking emotionally charged actions like an outright ban to the detriment of its own economic positions and long-term strategic interests.
Apart from being a multi-generational struggle, the contemporary conflict will also not be decided or even resolved on any single domain of strategic competition.
Cambodia must exercise leadership, discipline and a dynamic strategy across all the domains of national power — political, military, diplomatic, economic and informational. Whether a full ban on the import of Thai goods may result in some economic benefits is not clear; however, what is clear is that such a prohibition would certainly play into the hands of a Thai regime that is attempting to isolate Cambodia from the rest of the world.
Since at least the early-20th century, Thailand has sought to achieve at least some of its most contentious foreign policy objectives over Cambodia through an insistence on bilateralism. Time and again, Thailand’s nationalist ambitions over Cambodia have been thwarted to no small part by foreign powers, in particular France and the US.
When Cambodia is isolated from the world, Thailand’s leverage over Cambodia increases, and there is no doubt that Thailand would present Cambodia’s economic actions as an affront to international laws and customs.
Cambodia has exercised extraordinary maturity in the face of multiple Thai aggressions, and it must not weaken, falter or lose faith in its ability to prevail. Cambodia will prevail in this conflict, but only if it remains disciplined and strategic in its actions.
Youk Chhang is Executive Director of Documentation Center of Cambodia. The views and opinions expressed are his own.
-Phnom Penh Post-
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