The National Security Council (NSC) resolved to block Thai vessels from shipping oil to Cambodia and is preparing to charter commercial planes to bring Thai citizens home. Meanwhile, the Energy Permanent Secretary pointed out that traders and related parties confirmed oil trucks at the Chong Mek border checkpoint deliver fuel into Laos but do not transport it onward to Cambodia.
At 10:55 a.m. on 16 December 2025 GMT+7, Mr. Chatchai Bangchuad, Secretary-General of the National Security Council (NSC), revealed the results of the NSC meeting. The council decided that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would coordinate with approximately 3,000–4,000 stranded Thai nationals in Cambodia to arrange their return by chartered commercial flights. This includes establishing systems for emergency loan payments and aircraft charters to facilitate their swift repatriation.
Regarding compensation for those injured or deceased, as there are already clear guidelines, the authorities will compile the latest data on casualties and present it to the Cabinet for additional compensation beyond previously approved amounts. This aims to provide further support to those affected by the recent events, continuing the ongoing process.
Concerning the maritime blockade of oil and military supplies, the NSC assigned the Marine Security Operations Center to coordinate with relevant agencies. This involves alerting Thai vessels entering risky areas and cooperating with the Marine Department to inspect Thai ships primarily involved in transporting goods potentially supporting the conflict in Cambodia. Inspections will focus on cargo destinations to maintain order and prevent facilitation of such activities. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defense is tasked with regulating the controlled goods, especially military supplies, following the Border Goods Control Act of 1981 as the operational framework.
Mr. Prasert Sinsukprasert, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, added details regarding oil trucks stalled at the Chong Mek permanent border checkpoint in Chong Mek Subdistrict, Sirindhorn District, Ubon Ratchathani Province. The Ministry of Energy has inspected and confirmed there are no oil exports from Thailand to Cambodia via land or sea. This has been verified by oil traders, the Customs Department, and related agencies. Regarding shipments at Chong Mek, oil is transported from Thailand into Laos, but overall volume remains steady at about 100 million liters monthly, which is typical. Daily truck crossings average around 20, though some days may see as few as 5 or as many as 50, which is normal.
From November to April, the dry season, Laos consumes more oil than usual, a regular annual pattern. During the rainy season, mining operations pause, so oil imports—primarily diesel—are used for mining activities in southern Laos, including soil, stone, limestone, and coal mines. Traders confirmed that end users are Laotian and that the fuel is not forwarded to Cambodia. Discussions are underway to establish mechanisms assuring that oil sent to Laos is indeed used domestically. Laos has reported challenges as oil imports from Thailand are vital for their economic development. Relevant agencies will explore ways to confirm that the fuel remains in Laos, enabling the Chong Mek checkpoint to continue oil shipments.
When asked if government guarantees are necessary, Mr. Prasert explained that Laos' Ministry of Industry and Commerce has already informed Thailand's Energy Ministry that the oil is for Laos' development. The Laotian minister is scheduled to meet the Energy Ministry this afternoon to discuss potential mechanisms or assurances. Thailand has requested cooperation to ensure no oil is transported onward to Cambodia, which lacks domestic oil production and reportedly sources fuel from Vietnam, China, and Singapore, reducing reliance on Thai oil.
Regarding rumors that a major private company is exporting oil to Cambodia, the Permanent Secretary of the Energy Ministry firmly denied any oil exports from Thailand to Cambodia. Exports would require customs clearance, and maritime shipments must pass through the Marine Department. Sellers must report production and shipment destinations, and no irregularities have been found. Therefore, caution against false information is advised.