17 Dec, 2025
Laos Rejects Claims of Oil Re-exports to Cambodia, Assures Compliance with Law
Lao Minister of Industry and Commerce Malaithong Kommasith has confirmed that all oil imported from Thailand is strictly reserved for domestic use within Laos, dismissing concerns that fuel supplies are being re-exported to Cambodia.
Speaking on 16 December during a meeting with Thai Minister of Energy Prasert Sinsukprasert, Malaithong said any such re-export would be illegal under Lao regulations governing cross-border trade and goods transit.
He stressed that the Lao government does not permit oil imported from Thailand to pass through the country for onward shipment to third countries.
According to the Lao side, the volume of oil imported from Thailand has remained stable and has not increased significantly. This assessment was confirmed by oil traders as well as the Lao Customs Department.
Officials explained that daily truck movements at the Chong Mek border can fluctuate, averaging around 20 fuel trucks per day. On some days, crossings may drop to as few as five trucks, while on busier days the number can rise to about 50.
Seasonal demand also plays a key role in Laos’ oil consumption patterns. Between November and April, after the end of the rainy season, oil consumption in Laos typically increases, particularly in southern provinces where mining activities expand during the dry months.
Thai Energy Minister Prasert welcomed the assurances and reiterated Thailand’s position that fuel imported into Laos must remain for domestic use only. He said Thai authorities, together with Lao agencies, are closely monitoring oil movements to prevent any violations.
Temporary Fuel Suspension at Chong Mek Border
The statements come amid heightened scrutiny at the Chong Mek permanent border crossing in Sirindhorn district, Ubon Ratchathani.
On 15 December, Thai authorities temporarily suspended fuel exports, along with military equipment and related items, after detecting unusually high volumes of fuel shipments passing through the checkpoint.
Thailand’s Second Army Area Operations Center reported that inspections found export levels that appeared abnormal compared with previous periods, with some shipments suspected of being routed through Laos before reaching Cambodia.
The suspension took effect at midnight on the same day and remains in place until further notice, although other cross-border activities continue under existing regulations.
In response to the disruption, Thailand’s Defence Ministry later apologized to Laos for the impact of the temporary measures, emphasizing that the restrictions were driven by security concerns linked to tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border.
Defence Ministry spokesperson Surasant Kongsiri said at a Joint Press Center briefing that the controls were not aimed at Laos or Lao trade.
He stressed that Thailand respects Laos’ sovereignty and the countries’ bilateral relations, describing the suspension as a precautionary step to prevent the misuse of sensitive goods during a period of heightened regional security concerns.