Politics Cambodia Bans Thai Fruit & Agricultural Imports, Disrupting Trade in Trat

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

The Cambodian government has imposed an indefinite ban on the import of Thai fruits and agricultural products through the Klong Yai border checkpoint in Trat province, beginning at noon on 14 June. The move, which came without explanation, has sparked concern and immediate disruption among Thai exporters and fruit traders.

 

At 12:00 on 14 June, customs officials at Klong Yai in Klong Yai district received an official notice from their Cambodian counterparts at Koh Kong Customs that all agricultural products, including popular Thai fruits such as rambutans, mangosteens, and particularly durians, are now strictly prohibited from entering Cambodia.

 

Trucks already in transit were instructed to unload their goods in Cambodia and return to Thailand immediately. Durians, already banned from entry, were highlighted once again as strictly forbidden.

 

Mr. Nirote Wattirangkoon, head of the Klong Yai Customs checkpoint, confirmed the order from the Cambodian side, stating that it was issued at the direction of the Cambodian government. No formal reason for the ban was provided.

 

“At this time, we have not issued an official notification to fruit exporters on the Thai side, but most operators involved in the cross-border trade are already aware of the situation,” Mr. Nirote stated.

 

The border at Had Lek, another official checkpoint in Trat, also saw a halt in trade. That crossing typically facilitates the daily export of fruits to Cambodia, excluding durians, with an estimated 30 to 40 trucks crossing each day. Each truck carries produce valued between 15,000 and 20,000 baht. The sudden halt in trade is expected to inflict considerable losses on Trat’s fruit trading sector.

 

Earlier that morning, over 10 fruit transport vehicles had queued at the Had Lek border checkpoint by 09:00, destined for Cambodia’s Cham Yeam market, where the goods were to be sorted and distributed further to Phnom Penh. Those shipments have now been abruptly halted.

 

With no timeline or rationale provided for the ban, exporters and agricultural stakeholders on the Thai side are left in limbo, as they await further clarification from the Cambodian government or diplomatic intervention to resume the crucial cross-border trade.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khasod 2025-06-15

 

 

 

[LennyW]

Bit of a shot in the foot...now Cambodia fruit traders dont have products for sale!

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Thailand and Cambodia Reach Agreement on Fruit Truck Dispute, Chanthaburi Shipments Still Blocked

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Cambodian authorities have agreed to allow Thai fruit trucks to enter Koh Kong province via the Had Lek permanent border crossing, following a temporary ban. However, shipments from Chanthaburi remain barred, in what appears to be a retaliatory move linked to import restrictions on Cambodian mangoes.

 

On the afternoon of 15 June, Thai officials in Khlong Yai District, Trat Province, confirmed a resolution had been reached after negotiations with Cambodian counterparts. The ban, first enforced at midday on 14 June, saw dozens of Thai trucks carrying fruit stranded at the Had Lek border checkpoint, awaiting clearance to cross into Koh Kong.

 

Initially, Cambodian customs officials stated that trucks carrying fruit and agricultural products would not be permitted entry, citing a directive from Phnom Penh. Even Cambodian traders pushing carts to collect fruit at the border were barred.

 

However, by 09:30. on 15 June, following urgent talks, authorities from both sides reached a compromise. Fruit trucks from most parts of Thailand were allowed to enter and cross-border pushcart trade was also reinstated.

 

An exception was made for trucks originating in Chanthaburi Province, which remain prohibited from entering Koh Kong. Cambodian authorities cited Thailand’s own restrictions on importing certain Cambodian fruits, particularly Keo Romeat mangoes, a popular variety cultivated extensively in Cambodia. These fruits are typically exported through the Ban Laem checkpoint in Chanthaburi, where Thai rules have reportedly limited their entry.

 

Officials acknowledged that such disputes occur almost annually at the Ban Laem checkpoint due to regulatory frictions over cross-border agricultural trade. Although enforcement at other checkpoints, such as Had Lek, can be difficult, the issue has broader implications for regional trade.

 

Customs authorities in Khlong Yai and Koh Kong, together with other relevant agencies, eventually brokered the agreement, allowing the resumption of most agricultural exports. Major Thai produce markets, such as Talaad Thai in Pathum Thani, have already been informed and adjusted their logistics accordingly.

 

Mr. Cherdsak Chumnasiew, District Chief of Khlong Yai, stated that negotiations began shortly after the issue emerged on 14 June. “We were in contact with provincial security and border coordination units to de-escalate the situation. Thai fruit exports into Koh Kong are significant, over 30 trucks daily, and increasing due to growing demand from Cambodian and Vietnamese buyers,” he said.

 

He added that the root cause of the dispute was Cambodia’s frustration over Thai import controls, which prompted a temporary switch in their sourcing strategy toward Vietnamese suppliers.

 

Despite the brief trade disruption, Mr. Cherdsak emphasised the strong and cooperative relationship between Trat and Koh Kong. “We are neighbours and we work closely together. Whenever disagreements arise, we seek local dialogue and resolution.”

 

Meanwhile, Cambodian daily workers are still permitted to cross the border for employment as usual.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-06-16

 

 

 

[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

However, shipments from Chanthaburi remain barred, in what appears to be a retaliatory move linked to import restrictions on Cambodian mangoes.

They'll have to go to the next crossing point, not a big deal

[newbee2022]

Thailand is on the wrong side of law.

The court decided already.

Difficult to accept ??

[Srikcir]

On 6/15/2025 at 8:51 AM, LennyW said:

Bit of a shot in the foot...now Cambodia fruit traders dont have products for sale!

And visa versa, Thailand fruit traders don't have buyers

[PETERTHEEATER]

On 6/15/2025 at 2:51 AM, LennyW said:

Bit of a shot in the foot...now Cambodia fruit traders dont have products for sale!

Unless individual fruits can be identified as grown in Thailand there will be an 'arrangement' at border crossings to maintain a flow.

[Burma Bill]

4 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

Thailand is on the wrong side of law.

The court decided already.

Difficult to accept ??

 

Yes indeed.

Thailand does not recognise the ICJ (International Court of Justice) after the 2011 case involving the Preah Vihear Temple Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, when the ICJ confirmed the temple was on Cambodian land.