Bangkok apologises for impact on Laos of fuel, strategic goods export ban

Thailand has apologised to Laos over its banning of exports of fuel and military equipment through the Chong Mek border checkpoint in Ubon Ratchathani province, which borders Laos, according to Defence Ministry spokesman Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri.

The order could affect people in Laos, Surasant added, stressing that Thailand has no intention of causing hardship to the Lao people.

“The order was prompted by the border situation between Thailand and Cambodia and does not involve any other country,” he said.

He apologised to Laotian nationals who may be affected and said efforts are being made to implement the measures swiftly, while minimising their impacts.

The ban, which came into effect at midnight, was issued amid concerns that Cambodia may now be purchasing oil and other strategic supplies through Laos, after Thailand banned exports of these items across the Thai-Cambodian border.