PHNOM PENH: Cambodia's prime minister said on Sunday the country would halt all fuel imports from neighbour Thailand, as tensions escalate over an ongoing border dispute. The nations have been at loggerheads since a Cambodian soldier was killed last month as troops exchanged fire in a disputed area known as the Emerald Triangle, where the borders of both countries and Laos meet.
"Starting from midnight tonight, all fuel and gas imports from Thailand will be halted," Cambodian leader Hun Manet wrote on social media. He said energy companies would be able to "import sufficiently from other sources to meet domestic fuel and gas demands" in the country. Thailand has placed restrictions on several border checkpoints citing "national security", and on Sunday Cambodia closed two crossings in retaliation.
In statements issued on Sunday, Cambodia's foreign ministry urged citizens not to travel to Thailand unnecessarily, while Thailand's consular affairs department warned Thais in Cambodia to avoid "protest areas". The border spat has triggered political turmoil in Thailand after a phone call between leaders was leaked, prompting domestic criticism of Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's conduct. — AFP
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
