Experts in Cambodia have described the smuggling of goods across the closed Cambodia–Thailand border as an act of treason, urging authorities to take strict action against those involved.
They called on the government to crack down on traders and any officials complicit in the illegal activities.
The Thai government has unilaterally closed all border crossing points with Cambodia since June 2025. Thai forces also launched two major armed assaults in July and December last year. The December clashes displaced more than 640,000 Cambodians living along the more than 800-kilometre shared border.
Despite the closure, illegal imports and exports have reportedly continued.
Geopolitical expert Yang Peou described the illegal movement of goods into Thailand as treason, arguing that Cambodia is facing aggression while border checkpoints remain officially closed. He questioned how such activities could occur without the involvement or negligence of relevant authorities.
Peou urged the government to take decisive action against those responsible, saying such acts damage Cambodia’s honour and undermine the sacrifices of Cambodian soldiers.
He also called for a swift investigation to identify both traders and any officials involved so they can be held accountable under the law.
“If law enforcement officials are involved, they must be dismissed. If no action is taken, the public will continue to blame the government for inaction,” he said.
Sek Socheat, a development and research consultant, also warned that ongoing smuggling creates a negative image of authorities and harms the country’s dignity.
He noted that efforts to curb illegal trade are difficult to enforce if officials enable such activities, pointing to corruption as a key factor affecting both sides of the border, particularly among authorities operating in border areas.
Socheat added that smuggling benefits only individual traders while harming the broader national interest.
He urged the government and relevant institutions to take stronger measures to prevent illegal cross-border trade.
To promote legitimate cross-border activities, Socheat said that Cambodia and Thailand should resolve their disputes through international legal mechanisms.
He also recommended that Cambodia consider bringing the issue before the International Court of Justice to help settle the border dispute and pave the way for reopening international border checkpoints.
He added that authorities must act decisively to curb illegal trade, warning that continued inaction would further damage national dignity. If such activities persist, Socheat said, the Anti-Corruption Unit should investigate and take legal action against any officials found to be involved.
