Cambodia Threatens Thai Food Ban Amid Escalating Border Row

[geovalin]

 

PHNOM PENH — Cambodia has warned it will ban all fruit and vegetable imports from Thailand unless Bangkok lifts new restrictions on cross-border movement, marking a sharp escalation in the ongoing territorial dispute between the two neighbours.

 

The threat came on Monday from Senate President Hun Sen, the former prime minister and father of current leader Hun Manet, who delivered a nationally televised ultimatum demanding Thailand restore normal border operations within 24 hours or face a sweeping trade ban.

 

Tensions have flared since a deadly clash on 28 May in the disputed Emerald Triangle area, where the borders of Cambodia, Thailand and Laos meet. One Cambodian soldier was killed in the firefight, with both sides claiming self-defence.

 

Thailand has since tightened its border controls, prompting Cambodia to retaliate with a flurry of measures: a military alert, a ban on Thai dramas, the closure of a key checkpoint, and even a cut in Thai internet bandwidth.

 

Hun Sen’s latest move adds economic pressure to the diplomatic impasse. “If the Thai side does not open border crossings to normalcy today, tomorrow we will implement a ban on fruit and vegetable imports throughout the border,” he said, adding that his son had already notified Thai authorities.

 

On Sunday, Cambodia formally petitioned the International Court of Justice to intervene in the dispute, which centres on four contested areas including ancient temples. “Only a thief is afraid of a court,” Hun Sen declared, pledging to respect the ICJ’s ruling.

 

The standoff also carries human implications. Hun Sen urged Cambodian migrant workers in Thailand to return home, warning of rising discrimination amid the tensions.

 

The border dispute, rooted in colonial-era boundary lines, has a violent history — with 28 deaths recorded since 2008. The current flare-up threatens to once again entangle trade, migration, and diplomacy in a complex regional rivalry.

 

Analysts say the rhetoric suggests Cambodia is prepared for a drawn-out confrontation unless Thailand de-escalates. Hun Sen’s final message was unambiguous: “We are ready to replace Thai goods and reduce all forms of dependence on Thailand.”

 

-2025-06-17

[FlorC]

23 hours ago, geovalin said:

a sharp escalation

Fun to watch 2 kids play.

[Sydebolle]

Knives out

 

[Look Chang]