Thailand has indicated a potential escalation in its response to ongoing clashes with Cambodia, with the military considering halting fuel exports and imposing maritime restrictions, as conflicts continue despite reports of a renewed ceasefire.
Reuters reported that Thai military officials are discussing measures to halt fuel shipments to Cambodia, alongside increasing naval surveillance of strategic cargo vessels, and designating maritime zones near Cambodian ports as high-risk.
The discussions follow U.S. President Donald Trump’s declaration two days earlier that Thailand and Cambodia had agreed to a new ceasefire.
“At this time, there are no orders on these measures,” said Captain Nara Khunkothom, assistant spokesperson for the Royal Thai Navy.
Thailand’s energy ministry stated on Friday that oil shipments to Cambodia have been suspended since June.
Ministry data show that Thailand exported 2.2 billion liters of fuel to Cambodia last year, highlighting the significant economic consequences of an extended halt.
The Southeast Asian neighbors have engaged in multiple armed confrontations this year following the death of a Cambodian soldier in May, reigniting a dispute that has forced hundreds of thousands of people on both sides of the border to flee.
Earlier in June, Thailand imposed land border travel restrictions, banning tourists from entering Cambodia, tightening screenings, and limiting outbound travel.
Despite continued border tensions, trade between Cambodia and Thailand reached $1.87 billion in the first five months of 2025, maintaining Thailand’s status as one of Cambodia’s top five trading partners, according to the latest figures from Cambodia’s General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE).
From January to May 2025, Cambodia’s exports to Thailand totaled $395 million, a 1.1% increase year-on-year, while imports from Thailand grew 10.4% to $1.48 billion.
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