Phnom penh: Acting Head of State of Cambodia, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, has once again encouraged his compatriots to stop using the Thai Baht and instead use the Cambodian Riel in order to strengthen the national currency.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Samdech Techo Hun Sen, in a social media post, highlighted that citizens, particularly those along the border in Poipet, Banteay Meanchey province, have started exchanging Thai Baht for Riel following his message on 6 October 2025. He emphasized the importance of using the Riel on Cambodian soil to prevent financial losses and avoid vulnerabilities posed by foreign currencies used as political tools.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen further noted that some Cambodians working in Thailand are facing difficulties withdrawing money from banks there, illustrating how the Thai Baht is adversely affecting them. He warned that continued use of the Baht could harm Cambodians within Cambodia as well and urged citizens to engage in fair currency exchange practices without devaluing the Baht or inflating the Riel.
He also appealed to compatriots to quote wages, prices, and service charges in Riel or U.S. dollars, preferably in Riel, to fortify the national currency. He encouraged keeping Riel banknotes, symbolizing national pride, rather than those of a foreign king. Additionally, he called upon the Royal Government and authorities to take action against officials and traders smuggling Thai goods into the country, as such actions lead to a negative perception from neighboring countries.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressed that if he were still Prime Minister, he would have taken direct action against such issues, but urged current authorities to address these matters seriously.