Transport solutions sidestep conflict

Firms find ways to bypass clashes

- PHUSADEE ARUNMAS

The border closures with Cambodia have affected land transport, leading to a shift towards shipping via alternative routes, says the commerce minister.

Commerce Minister Jatuporn Buruspat said the border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia and checkpoint closures along the border have snarled land transport and logistics previously reliant on routes through Cambodia to reach Vietnam.

In response, businesses have turned to alternative solutions, leveraging sea transport and alternative land routes via Laos.

The number of shipping lines servicing shipments to Cambodia has increased, while freight costs have fallen.

However, over the past week businesses have become concerned about the potential risks associated with the border clashes, prompting many to temporarily halt their trading activities, said Mr Jatuporn.

He said if the border closures continue, there is a risk Thai products in Cambodia could be replaced by imports from other countries.