As we share a long border, we both know that we have to live and grow together,” Thailand’s then-Ambassador to Cambodia Panyarak Poolthup told Cambodia’s then-Prime Minister Hun Sen. “The political will is always there to resolve any issues that may arise.

Cambodia on Monday has said it would stop importing Thai fruits and vegetables if Thailand refused to lift border restrictions imposed following a deadly clash in one of the disputed areas between the two countries.

Vorn Pov, president of the Independent Association of Informal Economics, said the border closures and restricted hours have badly impacted poor people, especially those involved in transporting and selling vegetables in Thailand. “They are already in deep poverty, and the fresh problems will make their situation worse,” he said.