An official from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport has clarified that Cambodia’s maritime freight routes all operate in accordance with international laws and regulations.
Phon Rin, ministry spokesperson, was responding to calls from the Thai military to close the Gulf of Thailand to intercept fuel and military supplies allegedly being transported into Cambodia.
On the morning of December 15, Rim noted on his personal social media that Thai newspapers had quoted senior Thai officials warning of a possible closure or blockade of maritime cargo navigation routes through the Gulf of Thailand into Cambodia. He explained that these actions were being justified using various pretexts, to nurture expansionist ambitions, provoking war and escalating conflict with Cambodia.
“Cambodia is not a child who sucks its thumb. Cambodia has considered this matter and has fully prepared to respond in all forms to Thailand’s ambitions to provoke war and expand conflict. Cambodia has diverse and interconnected maritime freight routes with strong potential, ensuring independence and sovereignty in all forms in accordance with international laws and regulations,” he said.
A letter from armed forces chiefs, circulated online on Sunday, asked the defence ministry to submit an immediate proposal to the NSC to shut the gulf to oil and warfare-related supplies destined for Cambodia.
According to the proposal, the NSC would order the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre (Thai-MECC) to intercept and block oil and warfare-related supplies carried by all vessels, including commercial ships and fishing boats, departing Thai waters for Cambodia.
Panupan Rakkaew, a coordinator at Thai-MECC, explained the centre has already drafted a related order to enforce the supply blockade. He added that the NSC could issue such an order under the Maritime National Interests Protection Act.
Nara Khunthothom, assistant spokesman for the Royal Thai Navy, said the NSC will discuss the matter today, December 15.
