THAILAND has signalled a possible escalation in its response to ongoing clashes with Cambodia, with the military considering measures to block fuel exports and restrict maritime movement, even as fighting continues despite claims of a renewed ceasefire.
Reuters reported today that Thai military officials said discussions were under way on blocking fuel supplies to Cambodia, including increased naval vigilance against vessels carrying strategic materials and the designation of maritime zones near Cambodian ports as high-risk areas.
The deliberations come two days after U.S. President Donald Trump said Thailand and Cambodia had agreed to a new ceasefire.
“At this time there are no orders on these measures,” said Captain Nara Khunkothom, assistant spokesperson for the Royal Thai Navy, speaking at a press conference on Sunday. He added that the issue would be reviewed further at a national security meeting scheduled for Monday.
Thailand’s energy ministry said on Friday that oil exports to Cambodia had already been halted since June.
According to ministry data, Thailand exported 2.2 billion litres of fuel to Cambodia last year, underscoring the potential economic impact of a prolonged suspension.
The latest violence marks a renewed phase in a long-running dispute between the two Southeast Asian neighbours, who have clashed several times this year following the death of a Cambodian soldier in a skirmish in May. Since then, fighting has spread across parts of their 817-kilometre border and displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians on both sides.
Thailand announced a curfew on Sunday in its southeastern province of Trat as hostilities intensified. Thai authorities said a soldier and a civilian were killed when BM-21 rockets fired from Cambodia struck Thai territory.
The Royal Thai Army said the rockets hit tambon Sao Thong Chai in Kantharalak district, Si Sa Ket province, at about 11.50am, striking residential areas and schools.
According to the army, 63-year-old Don Patchapan was killed after being struck by shrapnel, while one house was set on fire during the barrage.
Bangkok Post cited government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat said rockets also hit Ban Nong Mek village, adding that the victim was struck by shrapnel in front of Ban Nongmekphitthaya School. A house was burnt and several others were damaged.
“The government condemns the brutal and inhumane act by Cambodia which fired BM-21 rockets at Thai civilian areas, killed a citizen, damaged houses and properties and frightened people,” Siripong said.
“The affected citizens and communities have nothing to do with military operations. The use of weapons against civilian areas is intolerable when it comes to international principles. This is an intention, not an accident as Cambodia frequently claimed.”
The Royal Thai Army said Cambodia had fired shells into civilian areas for a second consecutive day, resulting in further civilian casualties.
“This incident is clear evidence of Cambodia’s intent to violate human rights and international humanitarian law, causing severe harm to the lives and property of innocent people,” the army said.
Cambodia, for its part, accused Thailand of striking civilian infrastructure, including the use of fighter jets and shelling in populated areas. Thai authorities denied the claim, saying their forces had targeted only military positions.
Thai officials said that since the latest round of clashes began on Monday, at least 16 soldiers and 10 civilians had been killed and hundreds injured on the Thai side, with 258,626 civilians displaced.
Cambodia reported no new deaths or injuries on Sunday, but its interior ministry said at least 11 people had been killed, 74 injured and 394,706 displaced since the fighting resumed.
On Sunday evening, Thailand’s Second Army said intelligence indicated Cambodian forces were preparing to fire BM-21 multiple rocket launchers towards civilian areas near the border. Local residents were advised to move into shelters as a precaution.
As diplomatic efforts falter and military options are openly discussed, the conflict continues to exact a heavy toll on civilians, raising concerns about a wider escalation in a region already strained by repeated cross-border violence. - December 15, 2025
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