Report Sa Kaeo Tightens Border Amidst Oil Import Halt by Cambodia

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Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

In response to Cambodia's recent halt on oil imports from Thailand, police in Sa Kaeo are ramping up inspections at the Khao Din border checkpoint. Historically, oil has been transported by sea, with the latest shipment on June 23 marking a crucial point in bilateral trade.

 

At the heart of this heightened scrutiny is the Ban Khao Din checkpoint in Klong Hat district, where the Ministry of Commerce's cassava import restrictions from Cambodia are clearly felt. Despite a general ban, exceptions exist at Khao Din and Ta Phraya for trucks based on size, with a strict limit of 70 vehicles crossing daily.

 

The scene is vibrant, with convoys of 18-wheelers filling the parking zones at the Baan Klong Luek checkpoint. Here, drivers interact with customs officials and agents to process cassava imports from Cambodia, preparing documents from as early as 9.30am. Comprehensive inspections by customs and Border Patrol Police 13 ensure that even empty trucks are thoroughly checked, a process taking up to two hours.

 

Interestingly, while discussions about a cassava import ban are ongoing, no formal order has been issued, allowing current imports to proceed. However, an official order could be activated swiftly should it be decreed.

 

In conjunction with these measures, officials are under strict orders to prevent illegal oil smuggling across the border following Cambodia’s oil import ban on June 22. Although no official checkpoint closures or cassava bans have been set, operators report readiness to cease operations and find other employment if such bans are implemented. There's concern about sudden enforcement leaving vehicles stranded, highlighting the necessity for advanced notice to the truck drivers.

 

Meanwhile, at the Thai-Cambodian Friendship Bridge checkpoint, there is a noticeable absence of gas trucks after the Cambodian ban. Typically, around 10 gas trucks cross daily into Phnom Penh, contributing significantly to trade, as gas exports last year were valued at 579 million baht. So far, this year, exports have reached 436 million baht up to May.

 

Overall, oil movement between Thailand and Cambodia remains primarily seaborne, with the Friendship Bridge handling a steady daily flow of 300 to 400 goods trucks, serving as a critical trade link between the nations.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-24