Thailand has stopped fuel shipments passing through its border with Laos over fears they were being diverted to Cambodia, as fierce fighting between the two neighbours shows no sign of easing.
Thailand’s military said it had restricted all fuel movement through the Chong Mek border crossing into Laos after intelligence suggested the supplies were reaching Cambodian forces.
Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, a Thai defence ministry spokesperson, stressed that the measures were not intended to affect the Lao people or government.
The Thai navy says it's also considering limiting vessel movement in Cambodian waters deemed “high-risk,” though officials said shipments from other countries would not be affected.
Cambodia relies on imports of refined fuels such as gasoline, gasoil, and jet fuel, with Singapore currently supplying the majority, while Thailand’s contribution has dropped significantly since July.
The conflict has flared along multiple points of the 817-kilometre (508-mile) Thailand-Cambodia border at nine locations including coastal provinces and it has displaced more than half a million people and killed at least 38 in the past eight days.
Both sides accuse each other of breaking previous ceasefires, including those brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump in July and expanded in October.
Maly Socheata, spokesperson for Cambodia’s defence ministry, noted an increase in Thai fighter jets and the use of cluster bombs.
Thailand’s armed forces are widely considered stronger, with a larger navy and one of Southeast Asia’s most advanced air forces, including F-16s and Swedish Gripen jets.
A scheduled meeting of Southeast Asian foreign ministers, which could have included both countries, has been postponed until 22 December at Thailand’s request. Both nations insist that any resolution must begin with a clear cessation of hostilities by the other side.
The renewed fighting underscores the long-standing tensions along the Thailand-Cambodia disputed border, a flashpoint for decades despite multiple agreements aimed at de-escalation.
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Thailand’s caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Saturday (13 December) that Thai forces would continue military action along the Cambodia border until Bangkok believes there is no longer a threat to Thai territory or civilians.
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have eased after a ceasefire ended five days of deadly border clashes, but military talks remain delayed and Bangkok plans to report violations to the U.S. and China.
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