Border trade plummets, but cross-border trade continues to support growth

• Exports 35,702 million baht (-29.5%)
• Imports 30,518 million baht (-5.0%)
• The trade surplus was 5,184 million baht.

Overview of border trade between neighboring countries

• Malaysia: 26,261 million baht (-13.1%)
• Laos: 22,451 million baht (+2.3%)
• Myanmar: 17,133 million baht (+8.7%)
• Cambodia: 376 million baht (-97.5%)

In the first 7 months of 2025 (Jan.–July), total border trade was 572,281 million baht, a decrease of 0.8%.

Thai-Cambodian border situation

Since late June 2015, all types of vehicle entry and exit have been suspended. This was further exacerbated by clashes between the two sides between July 24-28, 2015, which led to the temporary closure of all 18 border crossings. As a result, Thai-Cambodian border trade in July contracted by almost 100%, directly impacting businesses and supply chains that rely on border transport.

Cross-border trade continues to surge

While some borders were disrupted, cross-border trade with third countries saw significant growth, reaching 99.805 billion baht in July, a 32.5% increase.

• Exports 56,514 million baht (+55.0%)
• Imports 43,291 million baht (+11.3%)

Important markets include:

• China: 62,984 million baht (+44.0%)
• Singapore: 12,788 million baht (+50.1%)
• Vietnam: 6,342 million baht (-15.1%)

Featured export products

Fresh fruits: Durian 22,949 million baht (+135.6%), Mangosteen 1,847 million baht (+57.9%)
Electronic products: Hard disk drives 6,074 million baht (+90.7%), computers and equipment 3,582 million baht (+211.1%), computer components 1,343 million baht (+679.5%)

In the first 7 months of 2025, cross-border trade was valued at 615,988 million baht, an increase of 24.6%.

The disruption to the Thai-Cambodian border situation has severely impacted border trade. However, cross-border trade with third countries, particularly China and Singapore, has become a key driving force supporting Thailand’s overall trade.

Source: ThaiPBS