The Cambodian Navy has forcibly removed a Thai-flagged oil tanker from its territorial waters near Sihanoukville province, accusing the vessel of violating Phnom Penh’s recently imposed ban on petroleum imports from Thailand. The incident occurred Friday as bilateral tensions continue to simmer over ongoing border disputes.

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Authorities identified the vessel as the ‘Chetthanabodi 6,’ which allegedly entered Cambodian waters illegally on June 24 while carrying a full load of petroleum products. The tanker’s presence was first exposed by the Thai investigative Facebook page CSI LA, which utilized MarineTraffic data to reveal the ship had been anchored offshore awaiting discharge despite Cambodia’s June 22 prohibition on Thai energy and agricultural imports.

The revelation sparked criticism of Cambodian leader Hun Sen, with online commentators accusing his administration of hypocrisy for publicly announcing trade restrictions while allegedly permitting covert fuel shipments. The Cambodian government maintains it has secured alternative energy supplies to replace Thai imports.

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This maritime confrontation represents the latest flashpoint in deteriorating relations between the neighboring nations, following recent military skirmishes along their contested border and Cambodia’s petition to the International Court of Justice regarding territorial claims. Naval authorities confirmed the tanker was escorted out of Cambodian waters without incident.

-Thailand News (TN)