Thailand considers blocking fuel exports to Cambodia as border conflict escalates
Thailand last year exported 2.2 billion litres of fuel to Cambodia, according to the energy ministry’s data
The Southeast Asian neighbours have resorted to arms several times this year since a Cambodian soldier was killed in a May skirmish, reigniting a conflict that has displaced hundreds of thousands of people on both sides of the border.
Thai military commanders have been discussing blocking fuel exports to Cambodia, including asking the navy to be “vigilant against” ships carrying strategic supplies and designating maritime zones near Cambodian ports as “high-risk”, a navy official told a press conference on Sunday.
“At this time there are no orders on these measures,” said Captain Nara Khunkothom, assistant spokesman for the Royal Thai Navy, adding that the matter would be discussed at a security meeting on Monday.
The Thai energy ministry said on Friday that Thailand had halted exporting oil to Cambodia since June. Thailand last year exported 2.2 billion litres of fuel to Cambodia, according to the energy ministry’s data.
Cambodia accused Thailand of striking civilian infrastructure, including the use of fighter jets and shelling in civilian areas. Thailand said it has targeted only military targets.
