Amid Escalating Border Clashes, Thailand Reviews Fuel Export Controls with Cambodia
Thai authorities consider tightening energy trade as fighting intensifies along the contested frontier and previous export flows have already halted
Thai military and government officials have signalled that they are reviewing control measures on fuel exports to Cambodia as hostilities along the long-disputed Thailand–Cambodia border continue unabated, despite diplomatic efforts to enforce a ceasefire.
The suggestion of new export restrictions emerged as clashes spread into coastal zones and other frontline areas, resulting in civilian and military casualties on both sides and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people.
Thailand’s Defence Ministry said its commanders have discussed possible actions, including heightened naval surveillance of maritime routes and designating zones near Cambodian ports as high risk, in the context of broader security measures.
Although formal orders to block fuel shipments have not been issued, energy and military officials are examining options that could affect the flow of strategic supplies.
Thai authorities have also emphasised national security as the primary rationale for any potential export controls.
The Thai Energy Ministry and government spokespeople clarified that, since July this year, there has effectively been no formal export of petroleum products from Thailand to Cambodia, following cooperation from domestic fuel suppliers to desist from shipments amid rising tensions.
Continuous monitoring by provincial energy officials and strict reporting requirements for oil traders have been used to enforce this de facto halt.
Cambodia’s response earlier in the conflict included a sovereign decision to ban all fuel and gas imports from Thailand, directing domestic companies to source supplies from alternative markets.
Bilateral energy trade, which had previously amounted to significant annual volumes, was disrupted as diplomatic relations deteriorated.
The discussion over possible export restrictions comes against a backdrop of renewed combat that has persisted despite a ceasefire announcement brokered by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has urged both sides to honour peace commitments.
Thailand has reiterated its openness to diplomacy but insists Cambodia must cease hostilities before negotiations can resume.
The broader economic implications for both countries’ energy sectors and border communities are increasingly evident as the conflict endures and trade flows remain constrained.
The suggestion of new export restrictions emerged as clashes spread into coastal zones and other frontline areas, resulting in civilian and military casualties on both sides and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people.
Thailand’s Defence Ministry said its commanders have discussed possible actions, including heightened naval surveillance of maritime routes and designating zones near Cambodian ports as high risk, in the context of broader security measures.
Although formal orders to block fuel shipments have not been issued, energy and military officials are examining options that could affect the flow of strategic supplies.
Thai authorities have also emphasised national security as the primary rationale for any potential export controls.
The Thai Energy Ministry and government spokespeople clarified that, since July this year, there has effectively been no formal export of petroleum products from Thailand to Cambodia, following cooperation from domestic fuel suppliers to desist from shipments amid rising tensions.
Continuous monitoring by provincial energy officials and strict reporting requirements for oil traders have been used to enforce this de facto halt.
Cambodia’s response earlier in the conflict included a sovereign decision to ban all fuel and gas imports from Thailand, directing domestic companies to source supplies from alternative markets.
Bilateral energy trade, which had previously amounted to significant annual volumes, was disrupted as diplomatic relations deteriorated.
The discussion over possible export restrictions comes against a backdrop of renewed combat that has persisted despite a ceasefire announcement brokered by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has urged both sides to honour peace commitments.
Thailand has reiterated its openness to diplomacy but insists Cambodia must cease hostilities before negotiations can resume.
The broader economic implications for both countries’ energy sectors and border communities are increasingly evident as the conflict endures and trade flows remain constrained.
