Cambodia's former leader, Hun Sen, has issued a warning to Thailand, demanding the lifting of border crossing restrictions. Failure to comply will result in a ban on all Thai fruit and vegetable imports, escalating tensions between the two nations.

A recent clash on May 28 in the disputed Emerald Triangle area, where Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos share borders, resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier. Both Thai and Cambodian armies claimed self-defence in the incident.

Thailand has increased border controls with Cambodia, prompting Cambodia to place its troops on high alert, ban Thai dramas, close a border checkpoint, and reduce internet bandwidth from Thailand.

In a national address, Hun Sen, the father of the current Prime Minister Hun Manet, threatened to implement a ban on all Thai fruit and vegetable imports if Thailand did not lift border crossing restrictions within 24 hours.

Hun Sen also revealed that Cambodia had sought the assistance of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to resolve the border dispute in four key areas, including the location of the recent clash and three ancient temples. He emphasized that Cambodia's goal is peace, as reaching a mutual agreement with Thailand in these areas seems unlikely.

The Cambodian leader reiterated the country's willingness to bring the case to the ICJ, stating that only those with ill intentions fear facing a court.