Cambodian Navy Expels Thai Tanker in Growing Fuel Trade Row

[geovalin]

 

Tensions flared in Cambodian waters on Friday as the Royal Cambodian Navy expelled a Thai oil tanker caught entering national territory without permission, signalling Phnom Penh’s hardened stance on fuel imports from Thailand.

 

The vessel, Chetthanabodi 6, was intercepted off the coast of Preah Sihanouk province after allegedly breaching Cambodia’s maritime zone. Officials confirmed the ship was swiftly ordered out, in line with recently tightened enforcement measures.

 

“This is a matter of sovereignty and national law,” a navy spokesperson said, adding that all forms of unauthorised fuel transport—including oil and even agricultural products like fruit and vegetables—will be blocked at sea.

 

The incident comes just days after Cambodia formally banned all fuel and gas imports from Thailand. The directive, announced on 22 June, is part of a wider push by the Hun Manet government to diversify Cambodia’s energy supply and reduce dependence on its neighbour.

 

Speaking on Friday, Mines and Energy Minister Keo Rottanak reiterated the government’s stance: “There will be no exceptions. Since the directive took effect, no imports from Thailand are allowed—by land or sea.”

 

Prime Minister Hun Manet has assured the public that Cambodian fuel suppliers can fully meet domestic energy demands through alternative sources. “We have the capacity to handle this shift,” he said earlier in the week.

 

The reasons behind the sudden embargo remain unclear, though analysts suggest the move may reflect broader political or trade tensions between the two countries. Recent border disputes and disputes over trafficking crackdowns have strained relations.

 

While Friday’s naval action was swift and without incident, it marks a sharp escalation in enforcement—and a warning that Cambodia is willing to use force to defend its policies at sea.

 

Observers will now be watching closely to see whether Thailand responds, and whether this energy rift spreads beyond fuel to other sectors of cross-border trade.

 

-2025-06-28