PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Cambodia announced on Monday its intention to cease the importation of fruits and vegetables from Thailand if Thai authorities do not revoke border restrictions implemented after a fatal altercation at a contested border zone.
The incident, occurring on May 28, resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier. The confrontation took place in a disputed territory frequently claimed by both nations, and each side has subsequently blamed the other for the escalation.
Since the clash, diplomatic tensions have intensified, with both countries engaging in tit-for-tat measures. While Thailand has tightened restrictions at border crossings, Cambodia has responded by banning Thai media content and severing some international internet connections to the neighboring nation.
Hun Sen, the Cambodian Senate President and former prime minister, declared through a national broadcast on Monday that the embargo on Thai produce would be activated if Thailand did not rescind its border policies by Tuesday.
Responding to the situation, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra emphasized that the border measures were essential to ensure the safety of citizens amid the increased military presence in the disputed areas. She highlighted that non-cooperative communication channels, operating outside the agreed bilateral discussions, would only jeopardize the interests of both countries.
Over the weekend, officials from both countries convened in Phnom Penh to deliberate on the territorial disputes fueling last month’s deadly engagement. Although described as amicable, the discussions did not yield significant progress toward resolving the ongoing tension.
On Sunday, Cambodia formally petitioned the United Nations’ International Court of Justice (ICJ) to adjudicate the enduring border conflict with Thailand concerning four areas. The Cambodian State Secretariat of Border Affairs announced that subsequent discussions on these territories would not occur within the bilateral framework previously utilized by both nations.
Reacting to Cambodia’s move, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed disappointment over Cambodia’s decision to bypass the bilateral dispute resolution process and firmly stated Thailand’s non-recognition of the ICJ’s authority over this matter. Nevertheless, an agreement was reached for both governments to engage in further dialogue during a subsequent meeting to be held in Thailand in September.
The heated rhetoric surrounding the issue appears partly aimed at soothing nationalist sentiments on both sides. In Thailand, Prime Minister Paetongtarn faces intense scrutiny from right-wing factions, historically aligned against her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, the former premier.
The border disputes trace back decades and remain a sensitive topic for both countries. Notably, Thailand continues to be aggrieved by a 1962 ICJ decision that awarded Cambodia the territory featuring the ancient Preah Vihear temple. The decision was reaffirmed in 2013, following intermittent but severe skirmishes in 2011.