VIENTIANE (Laotian Times): Thailand has announced a relaxation of oil export controls at the Chong Mek border crossing in Ubon Ratchathani, effective on Saturday (Feb 28).
The move aims to facilitate smoother cross-border fuel shipments to Laos. However, strict controls on shipments to Cambodia remain in place.
The Second Army Region, which oversees the crossing, posted the new guidelines on social media.
The announcement follows a decision from the Army Operations Center to ease restrictions on fuel exports to Laos, while still maintaining oversight of onward shipments. Authorities stressed that this move is designed to support businesses while maintaining effective control over exports.
The shift comes after previous scrutiny over fuel movements at Chong Mek, where unusually high volumes of fuel shipments sparked concerns.
In December 2025, Thai authorities temporarily suspended fuel exports after detecting abnormal export levels. It was later revealed that some shipments had been routed through Laos before reaching Cambodia. This led to heightened inspections and a temporary halt on exports.
Shortly after the announcement, Thailand’s Defence Ministry apologized to Laos, stressing that the suspension was prompted by unusually high fuel shipments, with some passing through Laos before reaching Cambodia.
The Thai military clarified that the measures were not targeted at Laos, saying they were necessary for security reasons amid heightened regional tensions.
In response, Laos rejected claims of re-exporting fuel to Cambodia, with then-Minister of Industry and Commerce Malaithong Kommasith confirming that oil imported from Thailand is strictly for domestic use.
Malaithong reassured Thailand that Laos fully complies with cross-border trade laws and clarified that seasonal fluctuations in oil consumption are closely monitored.
Now, with the new relaxed export controls, both countries are working to streamline cross-border operations and avoid future disruptions.
Thailand has also emphasized that while the fuel controls at Chong Mek are being relaxed, the broader security context remains a key factor in their ongoing border policies. -- Laotian Times
