Thailand eased border restrictions to boost trade amid a bitter territorial dispute with neighbouring Cambodia.

Thai army chiefs approved the decision to reopen three border checkpoints in Chanthaburi and Trat to revive the regional economy on July 17.

The newly relaxed checkpoints include the Ban Laem, Ban Hat Lek and Ban Sap Taree checkpoints, which will all be open from 6 am to 6 pm.

Vice Admiral Apichart Sapprasert, commander of the Chanthaburi and Trat Border Defense Command, said the measure, which took effect on July 17, will apply to Thai and Cambodian operators transporting goods between the two countries, stimulating cross-border trade.

In June, Cambodia banned fruit and fuel imports from Thailand, while Thailand sealed off all land borders, only making exceptions for humanitarian purposes.

Tensions between the two nations escalated after a skirmish between troops from both countries in a disputed area in Nam Yuen district, Ubon Ratchathani, on May 28, resulting in the death of a Cambodian sergeant.

Thailand expressed its intention to resolve the dispute through existing bilateral mechanisms.

However, Cambodia vowed to take the case before the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

Former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and current Prime Minister Hun Manet claimed that the disputed area belongs to Cambodia.

But Thailand maintained that the area is a no-man's land within an un-demarcated zone.