Thai products targeted in Cambodian nationalism wave
The action comes as tensions rise once again along the border between the two countries.
According to a report by Nikkei Asia on Friday (Aug 15), Thai brands are facing a fierce backlash, from PTT petrol stations and Cafe Amazon coffee shops to popular consumer goods.
The social media campaign, featuring hashtags such as 'Khmer Loves Khmer' and 'Boycott Thai Products,' urges Cambodians to support local businesses, putting immense pressure on Thai companies operating in the country.
The boycott has had a direct impact on several Thai firms. PTT, which has over 186 petrol stations across Cambodia, has seen some sites take down or cover their branding with tarpaulins.
One employee said the number of daily customers has plummeted from around 500 to just a dozen.
In a strategic move, the brother of Cambodia's defence minister, Tea Siem, who is a franchisee, is moving ahead with plans to rebrand PTT stations as 'Peace Petroleum Cambodia.'
Cafe Amazon, a PTT subsidiary with more than 250 branches in Cambodia, is also a key target. Some staff have resorted to covering up signage and avoiding wearing their uniforms outside of work for safety.
Other Thai brands, including Carabao energy drink, the CP Group-owned 7-Eleven convenience stores, and the Siam Cement Group (SCG), have been similarly affected.
The nationalist fervour erupted following five days of clashes in late July that killed at least 43 people.
While both nations subsequently agreed to a ceasefire mediated by Malaysia and supported by the US and China, the situation remains fragile, with each side accusing the other of violating the terms of the agreement.
Despite the boycott, one researcher believes a complete break with Thai goods is unlikely.
Nith Kosal of the Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI) stated that Cambodia is not ready to cut off Thailand from its entire supply chain, as local production cannot yet meet demand.
In 2023, Thailand's exports to Cambodia were valued at $6 billion, with petroleum products alone accounting for a quarter of that total.
Kosal added that if the ceasefire holds and border tensions ease, the online fervour and subsequent boycott will likely fade.
He noted that while the current situation offers Cambodia a chance to test its self-sufficiency, it cannot replace Thai products and raw materials in the short term. - The Nation/ANN
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Saturday (Aug 16, 2025)
Malaysia: * King warns Mindef against buying 'flying coffins' * Akmal's flag protest 'self-indulgent', says Rafizi * Justice will prevail in Zara Qairina case, says PM / Three senior cops to be quizzed in Zara Qairina's case, says Deputy IGP * Thousands participate in 'Justice for Zara' rally at Sabah's Padang Merdeka * Stern action needed if SOPs ignored in Zara Qairina Mahathir probe, say counsels * No Barisan-Pakatan clashes in Sabah polls, says Ahmad Zahid * Handful of corrupt officers tarnish police's reputation, says Ayob Khan * TMJ's network helped in probe into syndicate involving senior officers, says MACC chief * Form 1 student reports bullying to Education Ministry after school fails to act * Cops uncover positive leads in probe on assault involving Rafizi's son * M'sia strengthens peaceful nuclear technology commitment * Halal certification attracts tourists, says Armizan * Chief Justice hails Sri Ram as 'force of legal brilliance' * Jalur Gemilang: Avoid being vigilantes, leave it to the authorities, says Fahmi * MBI Ponzi scheme: Individuals with 'Datuk Seri' title among those detained * Youth must discern between perception and reality in fight against corruption, says MACC chief * Fake TikTok surgeon on Zara Qairina autopsy claim being traced, says Fahmi * Malaysian Gig Workers Bill to be tabled this month despite delay, says Steven Sim Singapore: * At least S$16,000 lost to phishing scams involving YouTrip e-wallets in two months in Singapore * Singapore President Tharman to undertake a working visit to Ipoh as NUS chancellor * Singapore evaluating rapid urine test kits to enable faster detection of etomidate, found in Kpods * Drug trafficker gets death sentence commuted after Singapore President Tharman grants clemency * Singapore's Immigration and Checkpoints Authority to review Ong Beng Seng's PR status after he is fined for abetting obstruction of justice * Over 280 vapes seized, more than 640 people checked in one night by Singapore police, Health Sciences Authority, in anti-vape raids Indonesia: * Indonesia's President Prabowo aims to go after illegal mining, oil palm plantations; speed up free-meal scheme * Indonesia's gas subsidy cut could slash industrial output, trigger layoffs: Industry Ministry * Son of Japanese soldier who died during WWII in Indonesia cherishes pebbles as substitute for remains * Indonesia: Prabowo touts economy and social welfare drive Thailand: * Thai lawmakers pass massive US$117bil budget to revive economy * Ceasefire, demining and stopping online scams top Thailand-Cambodia border talks * World recognises Malaysia's role in Thai-Cambodia peace efforts, says PM Anwar * Thai foreign ministry leads 36 envoys from 33 countries to inspect border clash damage and Cambodian minefields in Si Sa Ket Indonesia's soldiers from the music corps play trumpets during a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, at the Ereveld Pandu cemetery, where Dutch soldiers who died in the war are buried in Bandung, West Java. --Photo by Timur Matahari / AFP Philippines: * The Philippines and Australia kick off major military drills near South China Sea in a big way * Philippines' National Bureau of Investigation chief resigns, blames 'orchestrated move to blacken reputation' * Hundreds flee homes after heavy flooding in Mandaue, Philippines Vietnam: * Failed plastics negotiations in Geneva leave the world few options to confront growing pollution crisis * Vietnamese rice grower helps tackle Cuba's food shortage * Vietnam calls for urgent action to fight scoliosis and obesity in children Myanmar: * Bangladesh looks to Malaysia's influence to address the Myanmar Rohingya crisis, says Yunus * Military airstrike on gem mining town kills at least 21 in Myanmaro * Large haul of drugs seized in Myanmar's Sagaing region Cambodia: * Cambodia-Thailand regional border talks end smoothly * Thai products targeted in Cambodian nationalism wave * Opinion - 'Like the Khmer Rouge': Forced from her home by soldiers Laos: * Vietnam willing to share experience in state-owned enterprises reform with Laos * Laos seeks to create safe learning environment in schools and encourage more young children to attend school Brunei: * Leadership, learning empower youth with disabilities in Brunei * BizBelia to empower Brunei youth: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah AseanPlus: * G2G MOUs to avoid involvement of agents, middlemen in defence asset procurement, says Khaled * Sabah Fest Singapore showcases North Borneo culture at Marina Square * Asean should harmonise skills recognition to boost region's growth, says HR Minister * Keningau cops bust prostitution syndicate exploiting teens, including Form Two students * Hong Kong court postpones Jimmy Lai's trial to Monday (Aug 18) over heart condition * Jimmy Lai getting proper treatment while in detention: Hong Kong govt * Brand new home for everyone's favourite royal couple - William and Kate moving to a new home in Windsor * Concert tickets, electronics among top items used in Hong Kong scams: Carousell * Top Chinese actress Zhao Lusi claims talent agency forced an exorcism to treat her depression * Pakistan rescuers recover bodies after monsoon rains kill more than 320 * Pakistan monsoon death toll rises to 225 in 48 hours: disaster agency * Flash floods in India, Pakistan kill more than 250 people * Body of missing canoeist, 38, found in Hong Kong waters * Move over, Labubu – Chiikawa is the new craze in Hong Kong * Hong Kong celebrates first birthday of city's panda twins * China's top diplomat Wang to visit India for border talks * China's first high-speed jet drone makes every warship an aircraft carrier * Missing eight-year-old boy found dead after extensive search in Dali, China * One dead, two injured after oil tanker, cargo ship catch fire in Yeosu, South Korea * Chinese couple escape unscathed from serious car crash, decide to get married right away * China hotel offers guests dog companions for US$70 a night, with canine bite compensation * Fighting chikungunya in Hong Kong: why do experts reject mosquito 'weaponising'? * Critically ill patients airlifted to district hospital: India's Dharali disaster relief efforts continue * Australia grants asylum to former HK lawmaker and pro-democracy activist Ted Hui * Magnitude 4.9 earthquake strikes near east coast of Australia, European Mediterranean Seismological Centre says * Japan's Haneda Airport prepares for Bon holiday return of travellers from abroad, with peak expected on Sunday (Aug 17) * Badminton - Tangkis 2030 targets Thomas Cup, Olympic gold, says Tengku Zafrul * Sports - Karen-Ai Xin land historic table tennis title for Malaysia * Cricket-Australia win T20 series against South Africa after Maxwell heroics * Motorcycling-Marc Marquez wins Austrian Grand Prix sprint from second row
Barnama
3 hours ago
- Barnama
Thailand Urges Cambodia To Join Bilateral Demining Operations
Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa (centre) led a delegation of diplomats to Sisaket province to visit areas damaged by recent border conflict. By Kenny Teng SISAKET (Thailand), Aug 16 (Bernama) -- Thailand has urged Cambodia to join bilateral demining operations along their shared border to ensure long-term safety and foster peace. Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said Cambodia must show sincerity by cooperating with Thailand in joint clearance efforts, a proposal raised at the Thai-Cambodian General Border Committee (GBC) meeting in Malaysia. bootstrap slideshow He emphasised that joint operations would serve as a genuine demonstration of goodwill to de-escalate tensions and ensure sustainable peace along the border. 'Landmines are indiscriminate weapons that inflict inhumane suffering on both soldiers and innocent civilians. 'Five Royal Thai Army personnel have lost their legs while 11 others sustained severe injuries as a result of landmines. This is a humanitarian issue that must be resolved to ensure long-term safety,' he told a press conference here. On Saturday, Maris led a delegation of diplomats from 33 countries to Sisaket province in the northeast to inspect areas damaged by recent border clashes. Maris said Thailand and Cambodia share a long common border, and that the people of both countries must continue to depend on one another. 'The presence of anti-personnel landmines not only endangers the lives and safety of both soldiers and civilians, but also leaves deep scars, fostering mistrust and hatred between our peoples.
Borneo Post
10 hours ago
- Borneo Post
PM Anwar: World recognises Malaysia's role in Thai-Ambodia peace talks efforts
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim speaking at the opening the Madani Dairy Entrepreneur Carnival at Farm Fresh Perak Dairy Complex today. – Bernama photo LARUT (Aug 16): Malaysia's role as Asean Chair in facilitating reconciliation efforts between Thailand and Cambodia following recent border tensions has been recognised internationally, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said that although there were certain quarters that refused to acknowledge Malaysia's role, the trust placed by the countries involved was clear proof that they held Malaysia's political and economic stability in high regard. 'Thank God, in Malaysia our politics are stable and our economic development is respected. So, when disputes arise, the task of reconciliation is entrusted to us. This is a form of international recognition, even if some in Parliament may choose not to acknowledge it — and that is fine,' he said. Anwar made the remarks when opening the Madani Dairy Entrepreneur Carnival at Farm Fresh Perak Dairy Complex today. Also present were Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu and Minister of Education Fadhlina Sidek Earlier, US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan was reported to have said that Malaysia had played an important role as ASEAN Chair in peace efforts between Thailand and Cambodia through the General Boundary Committee (GBC) meeting, following tensions along the border of the two countries. Kagan said that Malaysia's role in organising the meeting demonstrated its leadership in bringing both nations to the table. Meanwhile, Anwar said Malaysia's strong diplomatic relations with foreign countries have brought significant benefits, particularly in creating new economic opportunities in the country. 'For example, during the conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, Thai milk could not enter Cambodia, but Farm Fresh milk successfully entered the market. 'I am sharing this because our relations with Thailand and Cambodia are good. If Farm Fresh wishes to open a farm in Thailand, we will extend our full cooperation,' he said. Anwar also stressed that the government will continue to support initiatives that strengthen the nation's food security, including the dairy industry. Expressing pride in the achievements of local dairy producer Farm Fresh Bhd, he praised the company for its contribution to the dairy sector, job creation for Malaysians, and commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR). Meanwhile, Farm Fresh chief operations director Azmi Zainal said the company's 828-acre complex in Perak is home to 4,300 dairy cows producing 22,000 litres of milk daily. 'In a year, this complex produces 10 million litres of milk, making it the largest and most productive dairy farm in the country,' he said, adding that the farm has 150 local workers, most of whom are under 30 years old. Farm Fresh also buys milk from local small farmers at competitive prices. 'Through our CSR initiatives last year, we awarded scholarships to 500 STPM students and starting this year, we will also introduce a mathematics tuition programme for primary school students,' he added. – Bernama Anwar Ibrahim asean diplomatic Thailand-Cambodia conflict
