Immigration Border Spat: Thailand and Cambodia Go Tit for Tat on Entry Rules

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Picture courtesy of Khmer TImes

 

THAILAND-CAMBODIA - Cambodia has fiercely countered Thailand’s decision to restrict Cambodian citizens' entry to just 7 days with a mirror measure against Thai nationals. As of June 8, 2025, both nations are now enforcing strict 7-day entry rules, sparking a tit-for-tat border skirmish.

 

Lieutenant General Sok Veasna, Director General of the General Department of Immigration, confirmed Cambodia's firm response to Thailand’s move. Thailand had, on the same day, slashed the stay duration for Cambodians from a generous 60 days down to a mere 7, setting off the diplomatic tit-for-tat. Cambodians visiting Thailand will now need to re-stamp their visas more frequently to comply with the new regulations.

 

Moreover, Lieut. Gen. Sok emphasised this action is a direct rebuttal under the Cambodian leadership’s directive. The implications are clear—Thai visitors to Cambodia will now face a similarly brief 7-day stay, necessitating a passport re-stamp once the period concludes. This unexpected restriction has travelers on both sides scrambling to adapt to the swift change in immigration policy.

 

Previously, on June 7, 2025, tensions flared as the Thai military unilaterally altered border crossing dynamics, citing border area tensions. Thailand unilaterally imposed restricted opening hours, reducing border operating days—a move perceived by many as the spark to this fiery exchange.

 

In retaliation, Cambodia swiftly countered, matching Thailand’s opening strategy but adding a twist—Cambodian border points open an hour later and close at the same time, effectively upping the ante in this border blame game. Both nations’ moves highlight the heightened diplomatic tensions simmering just below the surface.

 

This latest escalation underscores ongoing border unease, with both nations sticking firm to reciprocal restrictions. As the diplomatic chess continues, travellers face tighter schedules and more logistical hurdles in this patchwork of border controls.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khmer Times 2025-06-09