Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

The Royal Thai Navy’s Chanthaburi Special Marine Task Force has issued an urgent directive temporarily suspending tourist cross-border travel, at the permanent border crossings at Ban Laem and Ban Phakkard. The measure comes amid rising security concerns linked to perceived threats from Cambodia.

 

Signed by Captain Nopparoj Siripriyaphong, commander of the Chanthaburi Marine Task Force, the official document was addressed to the chief of the Chanthaburi Immigration Bureau. It outlines a temporary halt on cross-border tourism activities, citing the implementation of martial law in selected districts of Chanthaburi, namely Khlung, Pong Nam Ron, and Soi Dao.

 

According to Section 5 of the 2003 Martial Law Act, military authorities are granted overriding power over civilian agencies in areas concerning national security, suppression of unrest, or maintenance of public order. All civil agencies are required to comply with military directives under this provision.

 

The ban affects both Thai tourists exiting the country and Cambodian tourists entering, via the designated crossings. However, Cambodian migrant workers legally employed in Thailand are exempt, and cross-border trade activities will continue as normal.

 

Authorities say the decision was taken due to current tensions, which pose a potential threat to life and property along the border. The measure is effective from 7 June 2025 until further notice.

 

Civil servants across all ministries and departments have been instructed to continue their duties in accordance with existing governmental regulations, while immigration officers are to enforce the temporary restriction strictly.

 

The situation remains under review, with further announcements to be made as circumstances develop.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-07

 

 

 

 

 

UPDATE
No Border Closure at Ban Laem and Ban Phak Kad Checkpoints, Confirms Marine Task Force Commander

Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

The Commander of the Royal Thai Marine Special Task Force in Chanthaburi has confirmed that there is no permanent closure of the Ban Laem and Ban Phak Kad border checkpoints, amid public concern sparked by a widely circulated urgent directive.

 

The directive, which appeared to suspend cross-border travel for Thai and Cambodian tourists with immediate effect, excluding Cambodian labourers and cross-border trade, had raised alarm among local businesses and residents in border districts.

 

However, in response to growing confusion, Captain Nopparoj Siripariyapong, Commander of the Chanthaburi Marine Task Force, clarified the situation. He emphasised that the document was not an order to shut the checkpoints but rather a cautionary notice issued out of concern for tourists.

 

“The notice was intended to warn tourists, especially those travelling from other provinces to visit casinos along the Chanthaburi border, who may not be aware of the current security situation,” he explained. “We feared they could face disruptions or unintended consequences if they ventured too far into border areas.”

 

Captain Nopparoj further reassured the public that the movement of Cambodian workers and goods vehicles across the border continues as normal. “There is no closure of any permanent checkpoint,” he stressed. “It’s a precautionary message, not an enforcement order.”

 

At present, no new directive has been issued to cancel or amend the initial announcement. Authorities confirmed that both the Ban Phak Kad and Ban Laem permanent checkpoints in Pong Nam Ron District, as well as temporary checkpoints in the nearby Soi Dao District, remain fully operational.

 

Tourists, migrant workers and transport vehicles, both large and small, continue to pass through the border without restrictions.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Daily News 2025-06-07

 

 

 

 

In other words, nothing happened.