Cambodia’s former leader, Hun Sen, issued an ultimatum to Thailand on Monday to lift its current border crossing restrictions or to face a nationwide ban on Thai fruit and vegetable imports. The warning marks the latest escalation in the ongoing border dispute between the two nations. Sen’s statement underscored Cambodia’s readiness to retaliate economically if the restrictions remain in place.
On May 28, a Cambodian soldier was killed during a firefight between troops in the contested Emerald Triangle region, where Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos converge. Both the Thai and Cambodian militaries claimed the clash was a defensive response.
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have escalated in recent days, with Thailand imposing stricter border controls. In response, Cambodia has taken a series of retaliatory measures, including placing its troops on high alert, suspending Thai television dramas and films, shutting down a key border checkpoint, and reducing internet bandwidth from Thailand.
In a national address, Hun Sen warned that Cambodia would impose a complete ban on Thai fruit and vegetable imports if Thailand did not lift its border restrictions within 24 hours.
“If the Thai side does not open border crossings to normalcy today, tomorrow we will implement throughout the border banning the imports of fruit and vegetables to Cambodia,” Sen said.
On Sunday, Cambodia officially appealed to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to settle its ongoing border disputes with Thailand. Sen explained that Cambodia turned to the ICJ in pursuit of peace, as the two nations wouldn’t be able to reach a mutual agreement over the contested areas.
Despite ongoing border tensions, trade between Cambodia and Thailand totaled $1.87 billion in the first five months of 2025, reinforcing Thailand’s position among Cambodia’s top five trading partners, according to the latest data from Cambodia’s General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE).
Between January and May 2025, Cambodia’s exports to Thailand reached $395 million, up 1.1% year-on-year, while imports from Thailand rose 10.4% to $1.48 billion.
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