The General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia has announced the latest temporary ban on specific goods imported from Thailand, in a notice issued on 16 July.
The ban applies to vegetables, fruits, and several types of fuel such as gasoline, diesel, LPG, LNG, fuel oil, and jet fuel (Jet-A1).
Traders can normally import all other goods not listed in the ban as long as they follow proper procedures under Cambodian law.
Traders were further advised to use alternative transportation routes, as the Thailand – Cambodia land border is currently closed due to a unilateral shutdown by the Thai military after bilateral relations have deteriorated since the 28 May border incident.
While other official crossings and transport methods remain open, the closure has disrupted regular trade routes between the two countries.
Background on Border Dispute
This import ban follows rising tensions between Thailand and Cambodia after a deadly clash on 28 May near Chong Bok in Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani Province, where a Cambodian soldier was killed.
The incident led to troop deployments, border closures, and widespread trade and travel restrictions. Although both sides initially agreed to resume dialogue through the Joint Boundary Committee, talks quickly broke down.
Thailand favors bilateral discussions under ASEAN frameworks, while Cambodia has appealed for international intervention through the United Nations and the International Court of Justice.
The situation deteriorated further after a leaked phone call between Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen caused political uproar in Thailand, leading to the Prime Minister’s suspension on 1 July.
In response to growing tensions, Thailand closed major border crossings, while Cambodia responded by blocking imports of Thai fuel and produce and cutting utilities in some areas.
China has since offered to mediate, a proposal Cambodia is open to, though Thailand reiterated its intention to handle the issue through direct talks.