Customs authorities expediting customs processes at borders under government directive.
In the face of ongoing security concerns and border tensions, the Thai government has taken several measures to address the backlog of goods, particularly agricultural produce, at the Thai-Cambodian border.
Despite the recent clashes, Thai-Cambodian trade has shown resilience, with significant volumes passing through key border checkpoints like Aranyaprathet and Chong Chom. However, heightened border security has led to disruptions affecting transport and logistics, contributing to delays or backlogs in goods.
To mitigate the impact, the Department of Business Development (DBD) is coordinating with financial institutions to offer credit support to affected entrepreneurs. The Ministry of Commerce is also focusing on strengthening local businesses and SMEs to withstand uncertainties.
The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) is working closely with the Sa Kaeo Provincial Commerce Office to redistribute the goods through the Blue Flag project. The DIT, in partnership with all provincial commerce offices, is implementing fruit management strategies for the ongoing harvest season.
In addition, the Ministry is holding discussions with both public and private sector agencies to find solutions for disrupted transport routes to Cambodia. They have also worked with modern trade retailers to launch promotional campaigns for local produce.
The Commerce Ministry has implemented both immediate and long-term measures to support farmers, small traders, local communities, and Thai businesses. However, no new information about the total impact on these groups is provided.
The Ministry, under the leadership of Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has not been idle. Vuttikrai Leewiraphan, the ministry's permanent secretary, revealed that the prime minister offered encouragement to military personnel, civilians, and local residents affected by the recent tensions.
In a proactive move, Paetongtarn Shinawatra instructed the ministry to expedite the clearance of goods at the Thai-Cambodian border. The ministry has been mobilizing provincial commerce offices in all seven provinces bordering Cambodia to monitor the situation and assess local needs.
As of early August 2025, the Ministry of Commerce has carried out a total of 18 activities across Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Buri Ram, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, Trat, and Surin, benefiting more than 1,200 traders.
While trade levels remain robust, ongoing security-related disruptions at the border are a significant factor impacting the movement of goods. As the situation evolves, it is expected that the government will continue to monitor the situation, listen to concerns from the ground, and work closely with security agencies, businesses, and farmers to ensure a smooth resumption of trade once border tensions stabilize.
[1] Source: Thai Trade Policy and Strategy Office [2] Source: Thai Public Broadcasting Service [3] Source: Bangkok Post [4] Source: Nation Thailand [5] Source: Reuters
- The Thai government, in an attempt to alleviate the backlog of goods at the Thai-Cambodian border, has been collaborating with financial institutions to offer credit support to affected entrepreneurs, particularly those in the local industry and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
- To manage the ongoing harvest season and the large volumes of agricultural produce, the Department of Internal Trade (DIT) is implementing fruit management strategies in partnership with various provincial commerce offices, as well as working with modern trade retailers to launch promotional campaigns.
- Recognizing the impact of disruptions on transport routes, the Ministry is holding discussions with both public and private sector agencies to find solutions and enable the free flow of goods, thereby supporting the economy and businesses.
- In response to the recent tensions, the Ministry of Commerce, under the leadership of Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has proactively expedited the clearance of goods at the border and mobilized local resources to address the concerns of military personnel, civilians, and farmers.
- Despite the ongoing border tensions and associated disruptions, international companies are expected to continue their investments in Thai businesses, particularly in the technology, education, sport, tourism, and finance sectors, recognizing the country's long-term potential for growth and development.
