The closure of the Cambodia–Thailand land border and tighter measures against cross-border offences had not yet stopped the smuggling of goods from Thailand. In Malai district, Banteay Meanchey province, some traders continued using informal natural crossings to transport goods across the border, particularly at night.
On the night of July 6, 2026, joint border-protection forces in Malai district intercepted goods smuggled from Thailand through an informal crossing in វត្តចាស់ village. The operation came shortly after authorities had intercepted an attempt to export a large quantity of cigarettes to Thailand.
According to authorities, the seized goods included 19 cases of Dupro milk powder and one case of plastic containers used to mix milk. A young man transporting the goods on a Wave-brand motorcycle pulling a trailer was detained. The case and evidence were handed to the Malai District Gendarmerie for further legal proceedings.
Local sources said the illicit transport of goods continued despite strict government measures against border offences and appeals to reduce the use of Thai products. One reason, they said, was that farms and homes along some parts of the border could easily serve as crossing routes and were difficult to monitor, especially at night.
The same sources claimed that goods smuggled in from Thailand mainly included groceries, meatballs, meat, cattle and motorcycles. They said smuggling from Cambodia mainly involved cigarettes and clandestine cross-border movement of people, including both Cambodian and foreign nationals.
The repeated interceptions reflect authorities’ efforts to curb cross-border offences. They also indicate that smuggling networks at some informal crossings continue seeking opportunities to operate, requiring stricter law enforcement and more effective checks to curb illegal goods and maintain order along the border.
By: Pai Sokhim
