Politics Cambodian Navy Expels Thai Oil Tanker Amid Import Ban Dispute

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin

 

The Cambodian Navy has expelled a Thai oil tanker from its territorial waters near Sihanoukville in what appears to be a symbolic enforcement of the country’s recent ban on fuel imports from Thailand, despite earlier reports suggesting quiet continuation of cross-border shipments.

 

According to a report from Cambodia’s Fresh News agency on 28 June, the incident involved the Thai tanker Chetthabodi 6, which was intercepted and ordered to leave Cambodian waters after being found operating illegally off the coast of Preah Sihanouk province.

 

The expulsion follows public allegations on social media that Cambodia had continued to import fuel from Thailand discreetly, despite the government’s declared embargo. In response, the Cambodian Navy has now been instructed to strictly enforce the ban, including intercepting any illegal shipments of not only oil and gas but also Thai fruits and vegetables entering by sea.

 

This move comes after the Cambodian government, led by Prime Minister Hun Manet and former Prime Minister Hun Sen, announced on 22 June a complete suspension of fuel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imports from Thailand. Officials claimed that the country has sufficient capacity to source fuel from alternative suppliers and to meet domestic demand, whether for a month or indefinitely.

 

Cambodia’s Minister of Mines and Energy reiterated in a 27 June press briefing that no exceptions would be made to the ban. “There will be no authorised importation of Thai oil or gas under any circumstance,” the minister stated. “Cambodia possesses the capability to secure and supply energy independently.”

 

The incident involving Chetthabodi 6 appears to be a calculated show of enforcement amid scrutiny over the policy’s implementation. While officials have hailed Cambodia’s energy self-reliance, critics argue the move may be more politically driven than economically necessary.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-06-29