Report Thailand Tightens Border Controls with Cambodia Amid Tensions

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Thailand has intensified control over the movement of people and goods across its border with Cambodia in Sa Kaeo province, aiming to exert economic pressure on Phnom Penh amidst rising border tensions. Announced by the Burapha Task Force, the new measures include a complete ban on Thai tourists visiting casinos in Cambodia's Poipet, directly opposite Thailand's Aranyaprathet district.

 

These measures are part of Thailand's strategy to encourage Cambodia to reduce military build-up along the border and resolve disputes using the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) 43.

 

Under these tightened regulations, the permanent Khlong Luek border checkpoint in Aranyaprathet has reduced its operating hours from 8am to 4pm, a significant change from its previous 6am to 10pm schedule. Thai nationals are prohibited from crossing into Cambodia for gambling or tourism purposes through this checkpoint.

 

Cambodians can still cross into Thailand within the adjusted hours, provided they have the necessary passport or border pass, but their stay duration in Thailand has been cut from 14 days to seven.

 

Cambodians seeking medical treatment in Thailand for humanitarian reasons must obtain permission from the Thai-Cambodian coordinating office. Meanwhile, Thais wishing to work or trade in Cambodia can continue to do so, subject to stricter screening and 10-day renewal of their passports or border passes, instead of the prior 14-day validity.

 

All cargo vehicles exceeding six wheels must now exclusively use the Thai-Cambodian Friendship Bridge, operational from 8am to 4pm, instead of the earlier 6am to 6pm. Temporary checkpoints at Ta Phraya and Ban Nong Prue have reduced hours, opening from 8am until noon, with troops at these points authorised to regulate crossings. Heavy trucks are barred from using these checkpoints.

 

These stringent border measures will remain as long as deemed necessary by the Burapha Task Force. Recently, thousands of Thai and Cambodian people found themselves stranded when the Khlong Luek checkpoint closed unexpectedly, highlighting the impact of these new controls.

 

In response to the escalating situation, Khao Phra Wihan National Park in Ubon Ratchathani has indefinitely closed the Pha Mor E-Daeng tourist site as a precaution.

 

The situation remains fluid, with ongoing developments expected to shape the future of border relations between Thailand and Cambodia.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS 2025-06-09