Credited from: CHANNELNEWSASIA
Thailand's military announced on Monday that it has ceased fuel shipments through a border checkpoint with Laos, citing concerns these supplies were being diverted to Cambodian military forces amid escalating conflict. The clashes along the 817 km land border between Thailand and Cambodia have intensified recently, with no indication of resolution despite international diplomatic efforts, including calls for a ceasefire by U.S. President Donald Trump, according to Channel News Asia, Reuters, and The Jakarta Post.
Besides the fuel supply shutdown, around half a million people have been displaced due to the fighting, which has claimed at least 38 lives over the past eight days. Both countries' military operations have escalated across multiple locations along the border, with significant engagements reported from forested areas to coastal provinces, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the current clashes. The intense fighting has led to increased evacuations and civilian suffering, as noted by sources including Channel News Asia and Reuters.
In light of ongoing threats, Thailand's military is also contemplating further restrictions on naval movements in Cambodian waters to protect its vessels from potential fire. A navy official stated these measures would not affect shipments from other countries, illustrating Thailand's strategic focus in the conflict. Additionally, intelligence reports prompted the halt of fuel supplies through the Chong Mek border crossing into Laos, according to The Jakarta Post and Reuters.
Fighting continues across at least nine locations along the border, with heavy exchanges of fire reported in four provinces. The situation has been exacerbated by mutual accusations regarding the breakdown of a ceasefire initially brokered by President Trump in July, which has led to increased military aggression including airstrikes and the deployment of drones by Thai forces, as mentioned in reports from Channel News Asia and Reuters.
Amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, a planned meeting of Southeast Asian foreign ministers, which could have facilitated dialogue between the conflicting nations, has been postponed at the request of Thailand, indicative of the delicate state of relations in the region, according to The Jakarta Post and Reuters.