The Cambodian Ministry of Agriculture has assured the public that the country has sufficient domestic production to meet food security needs, despite a total suspension of fruit and vegetable imports from Thailand beginning today.
In a statement posted on social media, Ministry of Agriculture spokesperson Khim Finan said the government is fully prepared to ensure the continuity of agricultural production and the stability of internal supply chains. He emphasized that Cambodia is capable of replacing foreign imports with local alternatives.
Finan added that the halt in Thai imports is not expected to seriously impact national food security. Cambodia, he said, already possesses the necessary capacity to sustain food availability for its population.
He acknowledged that short-term disruptions to supply and demand may occur during the adjustment period but described this moment as an opportunity. He encouraged a strengthening of local production, especially for items that Cambodia has traditionally imported from Thailand.
The spokesperson also noted that the ministry is deploying commune-level agricultural officers through its modern community farming policy to support and guide local farmers in boosting productivity.
Meanwhile, Sok Veasna, Director General of the General Department of Immigration, confirmed today that all Cambodian border checkpoints have been closed to the import of all types of fruits and vegetables from Thailand.
The Customs and Excise Department echoed this announcement, stating that Thai agricultural produce has been entirely blocked from entering Cambodia at the border. Other categories of goods, however, remain unaffected and are still being processed as usual.
The move follows remarks made on June 16 by Senate President Hun Sen, who gave Thai military authorities a 24-hour deadline to reopen border crossings after Thailand had unilaterally closed them on June 7.
Cambodia and Thailand share a border stretching more than 800 kilometers across seven provinces. These include Pailin, Pursat, Battambang, Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, Koh Kong and Preah Vihear. There are currently ten official international border checkpoints and five local crossing points along this boundary.
