Thai trade prospects with Cambodia hinge on peace deal progress

Thai trade prospects with Cambodia hinge on peace deal progress

The Thai-Cambodian border, once a busy channel for agricultural goods, construction materials, and small-scale trade, has seen activity stall since tensions escalated earlier this year.

Days after Thailand and Cambodia signed a landmark peace accord, attention has turned to when — and under what conditions — trade across their shared land border might resume.

However, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has cautioned against rushing the process, stressing that border reopening remains the “final step” in restoring bilateral relations.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Anutin dismissed speculation that Thailand had already reopened trade routes, emphasising that any move to revive cross-border commerce must follow clear signs of stability.

“The reopening of the border is the final stage of the process, which we hope will ultimately bring lasting normalcy and peace,” he said. “Whether this happens sooner or later depends on the sincerity of both sides in resolving outstanding issues.”

The Thai leader underscored that national security and public perception will shape Bangkok’s decisions.

He said Thailand will only respond once Cambodia demonstrates “tangible progress” on four key commitments outlined in the peace deal, including efforts to secure the release of 18 detained Cambodian soldiers.

The comments underline Thailand’s careful balancing act between upholding sovereignty and maintaining economic momentum.

The Thai-Cambodian border, once a busy channel for agricultural goods, construction materials, and small-scale trade, has seen activity stall since tensions escalated earlier this year.

The Royal Government is yet to announce any plans to reopen border trade. Officials say their immediate priority is implementing the peace accord and negotiating the release of the detained soldiers.

A Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement said Prime Minister Hun Manet urged Thailand to expedite the soldiers’ release “on humanitarian grounds,” but made no mention of trade.

During bilateral talks earlier this week, both prime ministers reaffirmed their commitment to uphold the peace deal and restore stability along the frontier.

Mr Hun Manet also highlighted the importance of fostering “peace, harmony, and shared prosperity” for border communities — a signal that economic cooperation remains a long-term goal once security conditions allow.

The peace deal, signed a few days ago, sets out a phased plan to rebuild trust before normal cross-border activity — including trade — can resume.

While Cambodia aims to demonstrate compliance, Thailand is seeking assurances that political and security concerns are fully addressed before reopening trade routes.

Khmer Times reported yesterday that traders and border-dependent communities on both sides remain in limbo, waiting for signs that the long-frozen flow of goods and commerce will restart.

khmertimeskh