SURIN, June 18 (TNA) – Cambodia has banned the import of Thai fruits and vegetables, escalating a border dispute after Thailand maintained revised operating hours at a key crossing.
The ban, effective yesterday, follows a 24-hour ultimatum issued by Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. Hun Sen is also reportedly considering a complete ban on all Thai goods.
Thai authorities at the Chong Chom border checkpoint in Surin province continue to operate on a reduced schedule of three days a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., a move that has already cut Thai exports through the gate by approximately 40%.
Further tightening controls, Thailand’s Burapa Task Force in Sa Kaeo province has banned Thais from crossing into Poipet for work at casinos and entertainment venues. This dramatically reduced daily crossings from 4,000-5,000 to just 196 yesterday, leading to many Thais dispersing from the Klong Luek checkpoint. Border police have increased patrols to prevent illegal crossings, and hotels in Aranyaprathet have seen increased occupancy as some Thais await a potential easing of rules.
Compounding the issues, Poipet residents are experiencing continuous power outages and brownouts. After Cambodian authorities switched from Thai electricity to power from Vietnam, the city is now heavily reliant on constantly running generators, whose loud hum fills the city. It remains unclear if the Vietnamese power supply can fully meet Poipet’s demands. -819 (TNA)
