Cambodia’s customs authority has confirmed it is continuing to block imports of fuel, cooking gas, and certain agricultural products from Thailand through some overland border crossings. However, other goods may still be imported through official checkpoints such as seaports and designated trade routes.
The restrictions apply specifically to gasoline, diesel, liquefied petroleum gas, jet fuel, and bitumen, as well as vegetables and fruits. These measures follow the unilateral closure of several land crossings by the Thai military, prompting questions from local observers as to why only the land borders have been affected.
A statement issued today by Cambodia’s General Department of Customs and Excise clarified that while fuel and fresh produce from Thailand are banned, other imports remain unaffected. Traders are allowed to continue importing those goods as long as they follow standard customs procedures and documentation requirements.
The department also stated that transport routes remain open through all official entry points except the land borders currently closed by Thailand.
Back on June 17, Cambodia had restricted only the import of vegetables and fruits from Thailand, even though Thailand had already closed the border on June 7 without a mutual agreement. Since then, Cambodia has repeatedly called on Thailand to reopen the border, saying that if Thailand lifts the closure, Cambodia would immediately lift its ban on produce. However, Thailand has so far maintained its position.
On June 22, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet ordered a full suspension of fuel and gas imports from Thailand.
Earlier this month, ruling party leader Hun Sen called for the government to extend the restrictions further. The expanded list now includes items considered “strategic goods” such as electricity, internet services, and Thai films. He also ordered a complete halt to the screening of Thai movies in Cambodia.
As of July 16, Cambodia has banned the import of eleven categories of goods from Thailand. These include vegetables, fruits, gasoline, diesel, cooking gas, bitumen, jet fuel, electricity, internet services, movies, and even Thai kickboxers.
In some provinces, tourists have reported seeing large gaps on store shelves where Thai products once were. In response, some businesses have turned to Vietnam to source replacement goods.
