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Cambodia Issues Threat to Prohibit Imports of Thai Fruit and Vegetables
Cambodia's ex-leader, Hun Sen, has issued a blistering ultimatum to Thailand, demanding they lift border restrictions or risk a ban on all Thai produce imports. This latest escalation comes after a deadly skirmish between the two countries' militaries.
Last month, a Cambodian soldier was tragically killed as troops clashed in the Emerald Triangle, a contested region where the borders of Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos intersect. Both armies claimed to have acted in self-defense.
Thailand has beefed up border checkpoints with Cambodia, while Cambodia has ordered troops to stay on high alert, barred Thai dramas from TV and movies, shut down a popular border checkpoint, and reduced data transfers from Thailand.
In a national address, Hun Sen, the father of current Prime Minister Hun Manet, threatened to block all fruit and vegetable imports from Thailand unless restrictions at the border are eased within 24 hours. He declared, "If the Thai side does not restore normalcy at the borders today, tomorrow we will enforce a ban on imports of fruit and vegetables across our borders."
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The rival nations held discussions on the weekend aimed at diffusing the conflict. Thailand stated that progress had been made. However, after Hun Sen's remarks, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra responded firmly, stating that her country will not be browbeaten or threatened. She also warned that unofficial communication could derail diplomatic efforts.
As of now, the fate of Thai produce imports remains uncertain. While the border dispute is primarily about territorial claims, trade implications, such as supply chain disruptions, could indirectly impact these imports. However, the specific impact is yet to be seen.
Reference(s):1. BBC News2. Reuters3. AlJazeera
In light of the current border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand, political tensions have escalated, with Cambodia's ex-leader, Hun Sen, threatening to ban all Thai produce imports if border restrictions are not lifted. This development, following a violent skirmish between the two countries' militaries, is causing uncertainty in the trade sector, particularly with regards to Thai produce imports.