Politics 6 Border Checkpoints & 10 Cross-Border Trade Points with Cambodia to Close Amid Tensions

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

The government is preparing to temporarily shut six permanent border checkpoints and ten cross-border trade points along the Thai-Cambodian border following heightened tensions stemming from a recent military skirmish.

 

Security sources report that the decision comes after an armed clash between Thai and Cambodian troops in the Chong Bok area of Ubon Ratchathani province. The incident resulted in the deaths of two Cambodian soldiers and injuries to several others.

 

In the wake of the incident, anti-Thai sentiment has surged on Cambodian social media platforms, with widespread calls to boycott Thai products. Authorities fear that the rising nationalist rhetoric and social unrest could lead to direct confrontations between citizens along the border.

 

Concerned about the safety of Thai civilians and cross-border traders, security agencies convened an emergency meeting and decided to suspend operations at the following six permanent checkpoints, but no date for the closure was given:

 

Chong Sa Ngam – Phu Sing District, Si Sa Ket Province

Chong Chom – Kap Choeng District, Surin Province

Ban Khlong Luek – Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province

Ban Laem – Pong Nam Ron District, Chanthaburi Province

Ban Phakkat – Pong Nam Ron District, Chanthaburi Province

Ban Hat Lek – Khlong Yai District, Trat Province

 

In addition, ten temporary cross-border trade points will also be closed:

 

Chong Arn Ma – Nam Yuen District, Ubon Ratchathani Province

Ban Ta Phraya – Ta Phraya District, Sa Kaeo Province

Ban Nong Plue – Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province

Ban Khao Din – Khlong Hat District, Sa Kaeo Province

Ban Sap Taree – Soi Dao District, Chanthaburi Province

Ban Bueng Chanang Lang – Pong Nam Ron District, Chanthaburi Province

Ban Suan Som – Sai Dao District, Chanthaburi Province

Ban Muen Dan – Bo Phloi Subdistrict, Bo Rai District, Trat Province

Ban Chom Ngom – Nonsi Subdistrict, Bo Rai District, Trat Province

Chong Sai Taku – Chanthop Phet Subdistrict, Ban Kruat District, Buri Ram Province

 

Additionally, two tourism-related crossing points will be affected: the entrance to Phra Viharn (Preah Vihear) National Park in Kantharalak District, Si Sa Ket and the crossing at Ta Muen Thom in Phanom Dong Rak District, Surin Province.

 

Thai authorities are monitoring the situation closely and have stressed that the closures are aimed at ensuring the safety of citizens and preventing further incidents along the shared border. It remains unclear when and how long the closures will remain in place.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-31.

 

 

 

[ukrules]

What about the visa runners?

[johng]

Up the river without a paddle   also known as screwed... Laos maybe ?

[GanDoonToonPet]

I've checked the main 2 visa run companies and nothing on their websites as yet. The checkpoints that they both use are going to be closed.

 

Rather annoying but personally I'll be OK for a couple of months so hopefully it won't last that long.

 

This on top of spoiling my week in Phnom Penh. Can't even fly back in without paying exorbitant bribes to corrupt officials.

[ronnie50]

Yes, I read this earlier today on Kao Sod English. I was surprised how this has escalated and nothing in Bangkok Post or Nation (that I've seen).

 

I knew there was some gunfire at the border the other day - the Thai news the other day just said the Cambodian army had taken up a position in a sort of pre-agreed no-mans-land on the border and so some gunsots were fired to make them move out. But the earlier report this week said nothing about 2 Khmer soldiers killed or any other injuries. So this is fairly serious. Facebook is adding quite a bit from the Cambodian side which is really upset and calling for Thai boycotts. Reminds me of the time the Thai actress said Siem Reap should belong to Thailand - riots, attacks on the Thai embassy and a Thai army airlift of Thais out of Phnom Penh. Ten years ago?

[DrJack54]

Nong Khai might get busy. 

Hope things have improved since this NK specific thread. 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1347328-nong-khai-border-bounce-avoid/

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Army Spokesman Says Thai - Cambodian Border Calm – No Need To Close Checkpoints Yet

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

The Royal Thai Army has dismissed speculation in the Thai media, that border crossings with Cambodia will be closed imminently, stating that the situation along the Thai-Cambodian border remains calm and under control.

 

Major General Winthai Suvaree, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, clarified that although contingency plans are in place for possible checkpoint closures, such measures would only be considered if there were a significant threat to national security or public safety.

 

“At present, no official reports have been received to warrant the closure of any border checkpoints,” he said, in response to recent reports that some crossings might soon be shut due to rising tensions.

 

The clarification comes amid unconfirmed reports suggesting that up to six main border crossings and ten temporary checkpoints could be closed, following nationalist sentiments and heightened rhetoric from Cambodian groups. However, the army has assured the public that any such decision would only be taken if absolutely necessary and only in areas deemed to be at high risk.

 

Example of Thai media headlines.

 

“In the past, closures have only occurred in cases of real necessity, such as credible threats involving long-range weaponry or other significant security concerns,” Major General Winthai noted.

 

He emphasised that the current situation is generally stable, with only a few isolated areas experiencing minor issues. These, he said, are being addressed through local coordination mechanisms and within the framework of existing bilateral agreements.

 

“Both sides continue to engage through established local-level channels to manage any emerging issues and are committed to resolving them peacefully and cooperatively,” he added.

 

The statement comes in the wake of increased public interest and concern about cross-border relations, but the Thai Army remains confident that there is no immediate cause for alarm.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-31.

 

 

 

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

27 minutes ago, GanDoonToonPet said:

I've checked the main 2 visa run companies and nothing on their websites as yet. The checkpoints that they both use are going to be closed.

 

 

 The OP report here was pretty vague about just when these closures are/were supposed to take effect, in typical Thai style:

 

"decided to suspend operations at the following six permanent checkpoints, but no date for the closure was given:"  [emphasis added] 

 

And now we have the updated news report above saying as much:

 

Quote

No Need To Close Checkpoints Yet

 

Stay tuned for further developments!  😄

[Georgealbert]

6 minutes ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

 

 The OP report here was pretty vague about just when these closures are/were supposed to take effect, in typical Thai style:

 

"decided to suspend operations at the following six permanent checkpoints, but no date for the closure was given:"  [emphasis added] 

 

And now we have the updated news report above saying as much:

 

 

The OP only covered what the Thai media outlets were broadcasting.

 

https://www.khaosod.co.th/breaking-news/news_9784347

 

https://www.matichon.co.th/politics/news_5208516u

https://www.amarintv.com/news/politic/515760

 

https://www.nationtv.tv/news/region/378962130

 

 

[FlorC]

43 minutes ago, GanDoonToonPet said:

I've checked the main 2 visa run companies and nothing on their websites as yet. The checkpoints that they both use are going to be closed.

 

Rather annoying but personally I'll be OK for a couple of months so hopefully it won't last that long.

 

This on top of spoiling my week in Phnom Penh. Can't even fly back in without paying exorbitant bribes to corrupt officials.

Can't even fly back in without paying exorbitant bribes to corrupt officials.

 

Why ?

[GanDoonToonPet]

20 minutes ago, FlorC said:

Can't even fly back in without paying exorbitant bribes to corrupt officials.

 

Why ?

 

Consensus on the current climate is that questions may be asked, directives spouted, or even entry refused when flying in on a 2nd consecutive 60 day VE.

 

I was taken to the 'naughty corner' when I flew back in on my 2nd VE last year. After that, spent 6 months in the UK. Flew back in a month ago and was given the 3rd degree at the immigration desk; can't risk being denied entry if I fly back in after a week in PP again.

 

All this crap because I wanted to take a year off after working in China for 6 years (stuck there for 3 years during COVID) to visit my family in the UK and have an extended holiday in Thailand.