daily-life
Updated 2026-06-13 5 min
In short
- ●Hun Sen reaffirms that land imports from Thailand are illegal, as land borders remain closed.
- ●Only air and sea routes remain under customs control.
- ●This measure could lead to a shortage of Thai products and price increases in Siem Reap.
- ●Expats should expect a rise in the cost of living and supply difficulties.
June 13, 2026
Announcement
Hun Sen, President of the Senate
Author
Shortages and price hikes
Impact
The Phnom Penh Post
Source
Key Facts at a Glance
- Total ban. Land imports from Thailand are illegal, with no exceptions.
- Closed borders. Land borders remain closed; only air and sea routes are allowed.
- Customs control. Imports by air and sea are subject to customs inspection.
- Expected shortages. Thai products may become scarce, leading to price increases.
- Direct impact. Expats and residents of Siem Reap will be affected by the rising cost of living.
How It Happened
On June 13, 2026, Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen reiterated that land imports from Thailand are illegal, as land borders remain closed. Here are the key steps:
- June 13, 2026: Hun Sen declares that land imports from Thailand are illegal, with no exceptions.
- Before June 2026: Land borders were already closed, but illegal imports were taking place.
- June 13, 2026: Reminder that only air and sea routes are under customs control.
- From June 2026: Strengthened controls at land borders to enforce the ban.
- Expected consequences: Shortage of Thai products and price increases, especially in Siem Reap.
Breakdown by Segment
The impact of this ban varies by product segment and region. Here are the main sectors affected:
| Segment | Expected Impact | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Thai food products | Severe shortage | Fruits, vegetables, spices, sauces |
| Consumer goods | Price increase of 20-30% | Hygiene products, cosmetics, etc. |
| Construction materials | Supply delays | Tiles, cement, hardware |
| Clothing and textiles | Reduced availability | Cheap clothing imported from Thailand |
| Consumer electronics | Rising prices | Accessories, small appliances |
What It Means for Siem Reap
- Increase in prices of Thai products in supermarkets and local markets.
- Difficulty finding certain Thai brand products (sauces, snacks, cosmetics).
- Restaurants and hotels using Thai ingredients will have to adapt or raise prices.
- Expats used to traveling to Thailand for bulk shopping will need to find alternatives.
- Possible development of black markets or smuggling, with legal risks.
How to Stay Out of Trouble
- Step 1: Ensure your online purchases or those from resellers come from legal sources (air or sea imports).
- Step 2: Avoid buying Thai products at unusually low prices; they may be smuggled.
- Step 3: Favor local Cambodian products to reduce dependence on imports.
- Step 4: Anticipate your needs and make reasonable stocks of non-perishable items.
- Step 5: Follow official announcements from the Cambodian government for regulatory updates.
- Step 6: Report any suspicious smuggling activity to local authorities.
- Step 7: Adjust your monthly budget to cope with a possible rise in the cost of living.
Frequently asked questions
Why are land imports from Thailand banned?
Land borders are closed for security and customs control reasons. Hun Sen reaffirmed this ban to combat smuggling.
Can I still import Thai products by air or sea?
Yes, imports by air and sea are allowed, but they are subject to customs inspection and duties.
Which products will be most affected in Siem Reap?
Thai food products, consumer goods, construction materials, and clothing will be most impacted.
Will prices go up?
Yes, price increases are expected due to the shortage of Thai products and higher import costs via air and sea.
What should I do if I find cheap Thai products?
Be cautious: they may be smuggled. Only buy from trusted resellers and keep receipts.
Free expat guide
Visa, housing, health — in your inbox.
🧭
Published by
Siem Reap Hub
The community guide for expats and travelers in Siem Reap, Cambodia