The General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia (GDCE) has issued an important clarification outlining a range of prohibited imports originating from Thailand. This directive primarily impacts specific categories of goods, including various types of vegetables, fruits, and a comprehensive list of fuel products.
Elaborating on the restrictions, the GDCE has specified that the banned fuel products encompass gasoline, diesel, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), heavy fuel oil, and aviation jet fuel (Jet-A1). This detailed list was disseminated via an official notification dated July 16, directly informing traders and businesses involved in cross-border commerce about the updated regulations.
For businesses navigating these new import regulations, the GDCE has advised against utilizing the land border checkpoints between Cambodia and Thailand. This recommendation follows the unilateral closure of these routes by the Thai military. Instead, traders are encouraged to use other official checkpoints and diverse transportation methods for importing goods into Cambodia. The Customs department has also affirmed its commitment to continuously monitor the evolving situation and provide timely updates to the business community and the public regarding any further developments or adjustments to these measures.
These import restrictions are part of a broader series of actions taken by Cambodia. The prohibition on importing all types of fuel and gas from Thailand, for instance, has been in effect since June 23, 2025. Prime Minister Hun Manet previously provided assurances that Cambodian fuel distributors possess adequate capacity to source fuel and gas from alternative international suppliers, thereby ensuring that domestic supply remains unaffected, even if the ban were to become permanent. Similarly, the full suspension of vegetable and fruit imports from Thailand has been in place since March 17, 2025.
Beyond agricultural products and fuels, Cambodia has also ceased the purchase of electricity and internet services from Thailand. Furthermore, Thai films are no longer being screened on Cambodian television channels or in local cinemas. These measures collectively highlight a significant deterioration in diplomatic relations between the two neighboring countries.
The escalating tensions primarily stem from a border dispute exacerbated by a tragic incident on May 28, where a Cambodian soldier was killed in his trench in the Mom Bei area following a shooting involving Thai military personnel. This event has severely strained the bilateral relationship.
In response to these developments, Cambodia has formally demanded that Thailand reopen the land border checkpoints to their operational status prior to June 7, which Thailand had unilaterally closed without prior notification. Cambodia has publicly stated that if Thailand complies and reopens these land crossings, Cambodia would reciprocate by reopening its borders within five days. To achieve a peaceful and lasting resolution to the ongoing border issues, Cambodia maintains its unwavering position to refer the disputes concerning the Ta Muen Thom, Ta Muen Toch, and Ta Krabey temples, as well as the Mom Bei area, to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
