The border dispute has led to a surge in nationalist sentiment and tit-for-tat actions by both governments
Cambodia has banned imports of fruit and vegetables from Thailand, the latest escalation in a series of retaliatory actions sparked by a long-running border dispute between the South-east Asian neighbours.
Tensions flared in May when troops briefly exchanged fire at a contested area of the border, killing a Cambodian soldier.
The incident has led to a surge in nationalist sentiment and tit-for-tat actions by both governments. Thailand has imposed border restrictions with Cambodia in recent days, while Cambodia has banned Thai films from TV and cinemas, closed a border checkpoint, and cut internet bandwidth from Thailand. Both countries have shortened visas stays for visitors for one another’s citizens.
A ban on imports of Thai fruit and vegetables to Cambodia came into effect on Tuesday. This follows an ultimatum by Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen, who ran the country for almost four decades before handing over to his son in 2023, who said those imports would be blocked unless Thai border restrictions were lifted.
