Thai Times

Covering the Thai Renaissance
Saturday, Jul 19, 2025

Vietnamese Goods Fill Cambodian Shelves Amid Thai Trade Ban

Cambodian retailers in Koh Kong switch to Vietnamese imports as Thai exports halted following border clash
Retailers in Cambodia’s Koh Kong province have increasingly turned to Vietnamese suppliers to fill the vacuum left by Thai goods following a bilateral trade ban.

The move comes after Thailand imposed export restrictions to Cambodia in connection with renewed border tensions stemming from a clash at Chong Bok near the Emerald Triangle in late May.

Thai exports—including snacks, instant noodles, soft drinks, milk, construction materials and supplements—previously supplied through the Hat Lek–Koh Kong crossing have largely disappeared from local markets.

Cambodian consumers now encounter Vietnamese biscuits, milk, chocolates and noodles in place of familiar Thai brands.

Thai traders in the province, such as Pornchai Limploypitat, report that Vietnamese goods, though less popular, are being stocked to meet demand.

Meanwhile, one local official confirmed no new orders have been placed for Thai products since enforcement began.

A report from a leading retail outlet manager noted a marked increase in Vietnamese brand presence across multiple fast-moving consumer goods categories in recent weeks.

Trade disruptions intensified after Thailand shortened hours at Hat Lek checkpoint on June 24, limiting crossings to 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Further retaliation from Cambodia included banning Thai agricultural imports—including fruit, vegetables, seafood and fuel—effective June 17.

In fiscal 2024, cross-border trade through Trat province totalled nearly 30 million baht, with Thai exports comprising the majority; supplies to construction and consumer goods markets have since been interrupted.

Between January and April 2025, Thai exports in the region reached 15.8 billion baht, demonstrating substantial trade reliance prior to border restrictions.

Economic analysts warn that continued border closures could weaken Thailand's share of Cambodian consumer markets, with Vietnamese and Chinese suppliers gaining foothold owing to logistics links via Laos and Vietnam.

Cambodia currently imports the bulk of consumer and industrial goods from Thailand, with Vietnam ranking second and China third in 2024.

The broader geopolitical context includes a recent military confrontation on May 28 near Chong Bok which resulted in one Cambodian soldier’s death.

Subsequent diplomatic friction saw Thailand close several land checkpoints and Cambodia pursue a petition to the International Court of Justice over disputed areas.

Local Cambodian authorities also restricted access at Hat Lek’s counterpart in Khlong Yai, causing around 30 trucks of Thai agricultural produce to be stranded.

However, shipments of construction materials and non-agricultural goods have continued to cross in limited volumes.

As the situation develops, Vietnamese exporters are reportedly stepping up supply capacities to Cambodia.

Retailers in Koh Kong describe a marked increase in Vietnamese shelf stock, notably in staples such as instant coffee, biscuits, milk and noodles.

The trade disruption underscores the broader economic impact of border tensions on cross-border communities and regional supply networks in Southeast Asia.
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