Thai - Cambodia Conflict Power Disconnection: Thailand Ends Supply to Cambodia

[snoop1130]

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

In a decisive move, electricity officials in Thailand's Sa Kaeo province have disconnected power lines supplying energy to Cambodia, marking a significant shift in the two nations' energy relations. This operation at Ban Khlong Luek’s permanent border checkpoint, led by Taweesak Koetsap of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), highlights a changing dynamic following Cambodia's decision to self-sustain its energy needs.

 

By yesterday afternoon, lines had been removed, halting electricity flow to Cambodia. This measure comes after Cambodian officials preemptively disrupted power from their side of the Thai-Cambodian Friendship Bridge in Poipet, a response to Cambodia's policy of reducing reliance on Thai energy.

 

The Thai government recently opted to cancel its electricity sales agreement with Cambodia, prompting the removal of power supply equipment. This action affected businesses and casinos in Poipet, which turned to generators amid temporary power fluctuations.

 

At the heart of these events is a broader government strategy, illustrating shifting priorities in regional energy policy. The PEA team based in Aranyaprathet ensured all equipment, including meters and transmission gear, was dismantled, leaving only empty power lines, effectively severing the cross-border connection.

 

Taweesak explained that the initiative began on the Cambodian side, aligning with their national strategy to end energy imports from Thailand. This bilateral shift, while possibly causing immediate logistical challenges, sets a new stage for regional energy independence and cooperation.

 

The disconnection's impact resonates beyond the immediate logistical hurdles faced in Poipet. It signals a transformation in cross-border collaboration, as both nations reassess their energy policies and infrastructure.

 

Businesses and residents on both sides of the border will now need to adjust to this new reality, as Cambodia embarks on enhancing its energy infrastructure. While immediate disruptions occurred, these steps could potentially lead to more robust self-sufficiency and foster innovations in domestic energy solutions.

 

As the region adapts to this change, ongoing communication and planning will be vital to mitigate disruptions and explore future cooperative opportunities. The path forward will depend on diplomatic and technical collaboration, offering a blueprint for adjusting to changing geopolitical energy landscapes.

 

This strategic decoupling underscores the importance of self-reliance in national energy strategies, pushing countries to innovate and develop sustainable infrastructure. With power lines now silent across the Friendship Bridge, Cambodia and Thailand enter a new chapter in their energy relationship, one that will be watched closely by regional stakeholders.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-06

 

[hotchilli]

More Tit-for-Tat nonsense

[FlorC]

Good , more for us.

[mfd101]

So much for the Friendship Bridge.

 

A bridge to nowhere ...

[Gsxrnz]

I suspect Cambodia won't be paying their latest PEA invoice. 

[harryviking]

1 hour ago, hotchilli said:

More Tit-for-Tat nonsense

Childish, immature politicians....😫

[wensiensheng]

Doesn’t sound like reconciliation is top of the agenda

[wensiensheng]

“Withpower lines now silent across the Friendship Bridge, Cambodia and Thailand enter a new chapter in their energy relationship, one that will be watched closely by regional stakeholders.”

 

As in no relationship at all, for the time being at least.

[Homburg]

Another day another silly move.