Cambodia’s Transport Ministry Assures the Nation: Our Shipping Routes Are Safe and Independent
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – On Monday, December 15, 2025, Mr. Phorn Rim, the spokesperson for Cambodia’s Ministry of Public Works and Transport, took to Facebook to issue a firm and public challenge to Thailand.
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The Escalating Threat
Mr. Phorn Rim stated he had seen reports quoting senior Thai officials who were threatening to close or block shipping lanes in the Gulf of Thailand that lead to Cambodia.
The spokesperson didn’t stop at addressing the threat; he accused the Thai side of using these maritime warnings as excuses to carry out a larger, more aggressive agenda:
“They are using these pretexts to fuel their ambition to invade, start a war, and escalate the conflict with Cambodia.“
Cambodia’s Powerful Response
In response to the suggestion that Cambodia could be isolated or crippled by a sea blockade, Mr. Phorn Rim delivered the core message for national reassurance:
“Cambodia is not a child nursing its thumb.” (Meaning: We are not weak, naive, or unprepared.)
He emphasized that the Cambodian government has already anticipated this move and is fully ready to counter any attempt by Thailand to start or expand the conflict.
Our Shipping Independence is Guaranteed
To calm any public fears about trade disruptions, Mr. Phorn Rim stressed that Cambodia is fully independent in its transport logistics.
- Diverse Routes: Cambodia has developed many different sea cargo routes that are interconnected and fully capable.
- National Control: These established routes “guarantee our independence and allow us to be in control” of our logistics at all times, in full compliance with international laws and shipping rules.
The message is clear: Cambodia’s trade flow will not be held hostage by its neighbor’s military threats.
Source: Mr. Phorn Rim, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.