Army says Laos fuel exports under tight watch, no leak to Cambodia

2026-03-01 - 06:03

BANGKOK — The Royal Thai Army has eased restrictions on fuel exports to Laos while maintaining strict control measures to prevent smuggling to Cambodia, an army spokesperson said on 28 February. Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree said exports had been suspended since 14 December for security reasons after concerns that fuel was being diverted to Cambodia. He stressed that border security remains a priority, alongside consideration of economic impacts and bilateral relations. The 2nd Army Region has introduced relaxed measures coupled with tighter oversight to reduce impacts on Lao citizens and businesses. Authorities have held joint meetings with security agencies, local officials and fuel exporters operating through Chong Mek checkpoint to verify operators on both sides. Champasak provincial authorities in Laos have provided written confirmation that the importing company is legally registered and will not re-export fuel to third countries. Additional safeguards include GPS tracking of fuel tankers from origin to destination, vehicle inspections in line with permit conditions and mandatory certification of fuel delivery at designated depots in Laos. Transport reports must be submitted to the Suranaree Task Force each time. The army said the move supports good relations with Laos while ensuring coordinated Thai-Lao measures remain in place to prevent any illicit diversion of fuel to Cambodia.