Cassava is one of Cambodia’s largest agricultural export commodities. Photo illustration.
According to the Bangkok Post, Wipa Sunate, President of the Trat Chamber of Commerce in eastern Thailand, stated that Thai businesses are urging for a swift resolution to the border dispute as delays are damaging the local economy, particularly in the fruit export sector.
In fact, the total export value from Trat to Cambodia amounts to approximately 30 billion baht (equivalent to 915.47 million USD). Additionally, imports from Cambodia reach 3-4 billion baht.
The bilateral trade relationship between Thailand and Cambodia is currently strained due to political tensions and restrictions on operating hours at border checkpoints.
Ms. Sunate warned that disruptions in the flow of goods and sales will continue to harm businesses and the manufacturing sector. Furthermore, if the border is closed, the economic consequences could be even more severe.
Thai trucks waiting at the border checkpoint in Trat province, bordering Cambodia. Photo: Jakkrit Waewkhaihong
The President of the Trat Chamber of Commerce added that fruit farmers in Trat are currently unable to transport their produce to Cambodia due to the temporary ban. Meanwhile, the tourism industry is also being impacted by entry restrictions from Cambodia.
Ms. Sunate will soon petition the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) to call on the government for timely support.
Wutthiphong Rattamon, President of the Trat Provincial Agricultural Cooperative Network, stated that about 50,000 tons of mangosteen are waiting to be consumed this year. According to him, although the Cambodian market accounts for only 5-10% of Thailand’s mangosteen exports, the ban still causes concern for farmers.
In response to this situation, on June 21, the Thailand-Cambodia Border Operations Center announced a series of measures to support fruit growers affected by the current situation. This includes organizing the “Thailand Fruit Festival 2025”, distributing free mangoes at 1,097 gas stations in Bangkok and neighboring provinces, and selling fruits at state-owned distribution systems.
Additionally, the center encourages public and private organizations to increase socially responsible shopping activities, as well as collaborate with Tao Bin, a company specializing in vending machines, and AirAsia to include Thai fruits in their drink menus and in-flight meals.
Thai Minister of Commerce Pichai Naripthaphan has requested the Department of Foreign Trade to tighten controls on cassava imports from Cambodia. Photo: Khmertimeskh
Notably, Thailand’s Minister of Commerce Pichai Naripthaphan has also instructed the Department of Foreign Trade to tighten controls on cassava imports from Cambodia amid escalating tensions between the two countries. The minister emphasized that the goal is to protect the interests of domestic farmers and stabilize prices in the face of potential market disruption from low-quality agricultural products from across the border.
Escalating Thailand-Cambodia Tensions
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra speaks with Commander of the Second Army Region Boonsin Padklang in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, on June 20. Photo: Reuters
According to the The Nation on June 22, the Second Army Region of the Royal Thai Army has issued a special order to close the Chong Sai Taku border checkpoint in Ban Kruat district, Buri Ram province (Thailand). The order took effect immediately from June 21. Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang, Commander of the Second Army Region, stated that he ordered the closure of the Chong Sai Taku checkpoint due to provocative actions by a group of Cambodian tourists at an ancient temple in Phanom Dong Rak district, Surin province, Thailand.
According to the order, the Chong Sai Taku checkpoint is closed indefinitely until further notice. This checkpoint is currently opposite the Choub Korki checkpoint in Udor Meanchey province, Cambodia.
Notably, a day after the Second Army Region ordered the closure of the Chong Sai Taku checkpoint, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet announced the decision to permanently close two border checkpoints, Choub Korki and Choam, in Udor Meanchey province. According to the Khmer Times, this decision took effect from June 22 and was in response to what Mr. Hun Manet described as the Thai military’s repeated unilateral decisions to close border checkpoints without prior consultation or coordination with Cambodia.
The Cambodian Prime Minister accused the Thai military of unilaterally closing border checkpoints since June 7 and said that this move has raised concerns about the difficulties faced by people on both sides. “If the Thai military continues to use this method to exert pressure, Cambodia can respond accordingly at any time,” the Cambodian Prime Minister declared.
Reference source: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Khmer Times
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