Thailand’s October Land Trade Hits 146.6B Baht as Cambodia Border Shuts

Thai Overland Trade Gains Steam Amid Border Disruptions

Thailand’s land-crossing commerce accelerated in October, reaching 146.6 billion baht. While overall throughput rose by more than 4%, sharp contractions at certain frontiers have cast a shadow over local economies.

Context at a Glance

October’s cross-border tally stood at 146,648 million baht, propelled by a 12.3% surge in imports even as exports dipped slightly. In the first ten months, accumulated land trade topped 1.63 trillion baht, marking a 7.7% expansion from the same period last year.

Growth in Wider Trade Corridors

Trade with non-neighbouring markets drove the headline increase. Exchanges with third countries jumped by 32.2% in October, led by robust shipments to China, Singapore and Vietnam. China alone accounted for over 43 billion baht, underscoring Thailand’s deepening role in regional electronics supply chains and raw materials flows.

Strains on Immediate Land Borders

By contrast, overland links with direct neighbors showed uneven results. Landings with Malaysia and Laos held up relatively well, but activity with Myanmar and Cambodia flagged sharply. Checkpoint closures and security restrictions slashed the flow to Cambodia by nearly 100%, effectively freezing business across the Aranyaprathet–Poi Pet corridor.

Sector Drivers: Electronics, Rubber and Energy

Thailand’s electronics hubs remain a linchpin for road and rail trade. Hard disk drives, computer parts and displays collectively contributed double-digit growth offshore. Rubber goods and synthetic materials also posted healthy gains, while diesel shipments underpinned energy distribution across mainland Southeast Asia.

Local Impact on Border Communities

In provinces such as Sa Kaeo and Tak, traders and hauliers feel the pinch as daily volumes fluctuate dramatically. Small and medium-sized exporters report rising logistics costs, while border markets that once bustled with Cambodian and Myanmar customers now struggle to maintain foot traffic. Local SMEs are bracing for a challenging end to the year unless restrictions ease.

Coordination and the Road Ahead

Ministry of Commerce officials stress that public-private cooperation will be vital to stabilize frontier markets. Upgrading customs facilities at Mae Sot, Sadao and Mukdahan, alongside digital clearance platforms, aims to restore confidence. Observers note that re-opening closed checkpoints and harmonizing trade protocols with Cambodia and Myanmar could unlock tens of billions in additional commerce.

The coming months will test Thailand’s ability to balance security imperatives with economic imperatives, ensuring that growth corridors remain open for goods, services and regional development.