August 27, 2025
PHNOM PENH – The recent wave of aggression from Thailand toward Cambodia has awakened something deep in our national consciousness. As Cambodian citizens begin to boycott Thai products in protest, we are witnessing more than just a reaction — we are seeing the beginning of a potential economic transformation. What was meant to intimidate us may, in fact, become the very push we need to turn inward, believe in ourselves and build a more independent Cambodia.
For far too long, our markets have been flooded with imported products. We’ve grown used to relying on goods from our neighbours, especially Thailand, without realising the long-term cost: jobs lost, industries undeveloped and a dangerous level of economic dependency. But now, with rising nationalist sentiment and a shift in public attitude, we have a rare opportunity — a chance to redirect our spending power toward local products and, in doing so, reshape the future of our economy.
This is not just about politics. This is about self-respect. Every bottle of Cambodian-made sauce, every locally-produced garment, every Khmer-grown vegetable we buy instead of an import that is not just a product. That is a job. That is a farmer’s livelihood. That is a young factory worker who doesn’t need to migrate abroad. That is money staying inside Cambodia, circulating, growing, multiplying.
If we are searching for inspiration, we need not look far. South Korea, just a few decades ago, was a poor, war-torn country with little industry and few resources — much like Cambodia today. But they made a national decision to support their local products and build their industries from the ground up. Korean people embraced “Made in Korea” not just as a label, but as a symbol of pride. Today, Korean brands like Samsung, Hyundai and LG are known across the world, not only for quality but for the story behind them: a country that believed in itself. If South Korea could rise from poverty to global economic power through unity, investment and pride in its own people — why not Cambodia?
If we truly want to respond to this moment with strength, then our answer should not be more anger, it should be investment. This is a direct call to our Cambodian business leaders and wealthy families: now is the time to put your money where your heart is. Cambodia doesn’t need more foreign-owned supermarkets. We need Khmer-built factories, local brands and national pride on our shelves. Start the food processing plants. Build the textile mills. Invest in logistics, packaging, farming and manufacturing. You are not just building companies — you are building Cambodia’s economic backbone.
But it’s not only the rich who hold the keys. Ordinary Cambodians can become the force that drives this change forward. Every time we choose a local brand over a foreign one, we are voting for Cambodia’s independence. Every purchase is an act of patriotism. And once our businesses grow stronger, the quality will improve, prices will come down and exports can begin to compete abroad. What starts as a boycott could evolve into an economic renaissance.
Nationalism is not only shown in protests or flags. It is lived every day through the choices we make, especially where we put our money. This moment of regional tension can be the wake-up call we needed. Let us take pride in our identity not only culturally or politically, but economically. Let us make, use and export Cambodian goods with confidence.
Let the world see that Cambodia is not a country waiting to be rescued or influenced. We are a country ready to rise on our own terms.
Neang Sopheap is a Phnom Penh-based social commentator. The views and opinions expressed are his own.