Thailand’s military announced Monday it has halted fuel shipments through a border checkpoint with Laos amid concerns these supplies were being redirected to Cambodia during an ongoing border conflict between the two nations.
The Thai and Cambodian militaries are engaged in clashes across multiple points along their 817 km (508 mile) shared border. Despite international mediation efforts, including appeals from U.S. President Donald Trump, the fighting continues with no resolution in sight.
A scheduled meeting of Southeast Asian foreign ministers on Tuesday was postponed to December 22 at Thailand’s request, according to Malaysia’s foreign ministry.
Border dispute escalation
While Thailand and Cambodia have disputed portions of their frontier for years, the current clashes represent an unprecedented level of intensity and geographic scope. The fighting extends from forested areas near the Laos border to coastal provinces.
Over the past eight days, at least 38 people have died on both sides, and more than half a million people have been displaced. The countries previously clashed for five days in July, when they conducted evacuations before Trump brokered a temporary truce.
Fuel supply restrictions
Thai defence ministry spokesperson Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri stated the military has blocked all fuel movement through the Chong Mek border crossing into Laos after receiving intelligence suggesting these supplies were reaching Cambodian forces.
The Laotian Foreign Ministry has not commented on the restrictions.
Thailand is also considering limits on Thai vessel movements into designated high-risk areas in Cambodian waters, though officials emphasized this would not affect shipments from other countries.
Cambodia imports a significant portion of its refined fuel products via sea routes. According to Kpler ship-tracking data, Singapore supplies approximately 915,000 metric tons annually. Thai exports to Cambodia have declined from 180,000 tons last year to roughly 30,000 tons this year. Thailand’s energy ministry confirmed no oil exports to Cambodia occurred after July.
Combat operations
Fighting continues at nine locations along the border, with heavy exchanges across four provinces, including coastal areas, according to Thai defence ministry spokesperson Surasant.
Cambodia reports Thai forces have deployed drones, heavy artillery, and F-16 fighter jets for airstrikes in Siem Reap Province, home to Cambodia’s second-largest city and the Angkor Wat tourist complex.
Cambodia Defence Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata noted the increasing use of fighter jets and cluster bombs by Thai forces.
Thailand maintains a significantly more powerful military than Cambodia, with a larger navy and one of Southeast Asia’s most capable air forces. Thailand operates 28 F-16s and 11 Swedish Gripen fighter jets.
Failed ceasefire agreements
Both nations blame each other for the collapse of July’s Trump-brokered truce, which was later formalized into a broader agreement in October.
Bangkok maintains that hostilities must end with a cessation by Cambodia and a clear ceasefire proposal. Phnom Penh asserts it is acting in self-defense against Thai military operations.
