Latest news with #ThaiFruits
Washington Post
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Washington Post
Cambodia threatens Thai fruits ban as tensions over border disputes continue to soar
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Cambodia on Monday said it would stop importing Thai fruits and vegetables if Thailand refused to lift border restrictions imposed following a deadly clash in one of the disputed areas between the two countries. An armed confrontation at the border on May 28 left one Cambodian soldier dead . The incident, which each side blamed on the other, reportedly took place in a relatively small 'no man's land' along their border that both countries claim as their own.
CNA
16-06-2025
- Politics
- CNA
Cambodia threatens to ban Thai fruit and vegetable over border row
PHNOM PENH: Cambodia's influential former leader Hun Sen on Monday (Jun 16) issued an ultimatum to Thailand to lift border crossing restrictions or his country will ban all Thai fruit and vegetable imports in the latest round of the border spat between the two countries. One Cambodian soldier was killed on May 28 as troops exchanged fire in a disputed area known as the Emerald Triangle, where the borders of Cambodia, Thailand and Laos meet. The Thai and Cambodian armies both said they acted in self-defence. Thailand has tightened border controls with Cambodia in recent days, while Cambodia ordered troops on Friday to stay on "full alert", banned Thai dramas from TV and cinemas, closed a popular border checkpoint, and cut internet bandwidth from Thailand. In an address to the nation, Hun Sen – father of current Prime Minister Hun Manet – threatened to ban all fruit and vegetables from Thailand unless Bangkok lifted all border crossing restrictions within 24 hours. "If the Thai side does not open border crossings to normalcy today, tomorrow we will implement throughout the border banning the imports of fruit and vegetables to Cambodia," Hun Sen said. He said Hun Manet had already told his Thai counterpart about the measures. Cambodia on Sunday formally asked the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to help resolve the border dispute in four areas – the site of last month's clash and three ancient temples. Hun Sen also said his country had to go to the ICJ because Cambodia wanted "peace" as the two countries would never reach an agreement in the four areas. Cambodia has repeatedly asked Thailand to jointly bring the case to the ICJ. "Only a thief is afraid of a court," Hun Sen said. He said Cambodia would not back off and would respect the ICJ's ruling. Hun Sen also called on tens of thousands of Cambodian migrants working in Thailand to return home, saying they would face increasing discrimination as the border spat drags on. "We must come back home, and it is the suitable time. The border dispute will not end easily, so insults happen at times, and this time is more serious," he added. The row dates back to the drawing of the countries' 800km frontier in the early 20th century during the French occupation of Indochina. Cambodia has previously sought help from the ICJ in a territorial dispute over a border temple. In 1962, the court ruled then the disputed Preah Vihear temple belonged to Cambodia and in 2013, the ICJ awarded an area next to the temple to Cambodia too. Thailand said it did not accept the court's jurisdiction.
Malay Mail
18-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Thai farmers pitch Buriram-born K-pop star Lisa to power fruit exports beyond China
BANGKOK, May 18 — Thai farmers are turning to superstar Lalisa 'Lisa' Manobal to help sweeten the global image of the country's fruit industry. The member of Blackpink and Buriram native was named by growers as their top pick to front a campaign promoting Thai fruits overseas, The Bangkok Post reported today. The suggestion was made during Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's visit to Chanthaburi, where farmers pitched Lisa's star power as the key to cracking new markets. They believe Lisa's international influence could raise Thailand's fruit exports to 500 billion baht a year, up from the current 200–300 billion. Lisa, who made history as the first Thai K-pop idol to go global, is known for breaking records with her solo music and securing luxury endorsements with brands like Bulgari and Celine. Growers say her image could make Thai fruits more desirable worldwide, especially beyond China, the country's current top buyer. The prime minister was also briefed on issues like long customs delays, premature durian harvesting, and a shrinking farm labour force. Farmers proposed solutions such as relaxing rules for migrant workers and offering compensation for damage caused by wild elephants. Paetongtarn pledged faster export processing, more government fruit purchases, and research funding to keep Thai produce competitive. She later joined a durian-cutting event and livestreamed with young farmers — but for many, Lisa's star remains the biggest hope for Thailand's fruit fame.
