UBON RATCHATHANI – A sudden military ban on fuel exports has left hundreds of tanker trucks stranded at the Chong Mek border crossing, a key gateway into Laos. Thailand’s Second Army Area Command imposed the ban on all fuels and military materiel, effective from midnight, citing security concerns linked to escalating clashes on the Thai-Cambodian border.

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The ban directly impacts the vital trade route into Laos, which connects to Cambodia’s Stung Treng province. On Monday morning, approximately 100 large oil tankers were halted at the crossing, with drivers awaiting new instructions for rerouting. Immigration officials reported that a recent, suspicious surge in fuel truck traffic raised alarms that the exports could be diverted to support Cambodian military operations.

Thailand 🇹🇭 has stopped 80 fuel tankers from entering Laos, and suspect that Laos 🇱🇦 is being a middle ground and transferring fuel + military supplies to Cambodia. https://t.co/LTQcmfiDTl

— KHAMCHANH (@KHAMCHANH) December 15, 2025

Military authorities provided data underscoring the dramatic increase, noting that 180 fuel trucks were authorized for export in the first five days of fighting, which began on December 7. This figure starkly contrasts with the 281 trucks that crossed during the entire month of November.

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The suspension of over 100 trucks waiting this morning was enacted as a necessary security measure to prevent potential resources from reaching the conflict zone. The move highlights the widening economic and logistical repercussions of the ongoing border hostilities.

-Thailand News (TN)