Photo courtesy of The Fintech Times

 

In a recent twist in international relations, Cambodia has cut visa durations for Thai visitors to seven days, a move that has prompted Thailand to respond in kind and consider further measures impacting Cambodia. This development, announced by Nikorndej Balankura, spokesman for Thailand's Foreign Affairs Ministry, underscores a simmering diplomatic friction between the neighbouring countries.

 

Thai nationals entering Cambodia by land will now be limited to a seven-day stay, down from the previous 14 days, while border pass holders' visits are similarly reduced. In a reciprocal move, Thailand has curtailed the stay for Cambodian visitors entering by land, reducing it from 60 days to just seven for passport holders, and from 15 days to seven for border pass travelers. However, Cambodians flying into Thailand retain the 60-day stay provision.

 

Interestingly, from June 10, Cambodia plans to extend the stay for Thai visitors arriving by air from 14 to 60 days, indicating an attempt to balance the situation. Despite these adjustments, the duration of these visa policy changes remains indefinite, as neither nation has established a timeline for the measures.

 

Nikorndej, who also serves as Director General of the Department of Information, alluded to potential retaliatory measures, including discussions within Thailand's National Security Council regarding the cessation of electricity and Internet services to Cambodian areas known for housing casinos and scam operations. Furthermore, Thailand might control the export of goods that could facilitate technological or transnational crimes in Cambodia.

 

The spokesman expressed a desire for both nations to resolve these issues peacefully through established diplomatic channels, such as the Joint Boundary Committee, which is expected to convene in five days. The hope is for a return to amicable relations through constructive dialogue and mutual understanding, avoiding escalation and ensuring long-term cooperation between the two countries. As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the upcoming committee meeting to see if it can pave the way for a diplomatic resolution.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-10

 

 

This sounds more like both countries are simply adjusting their immigration visa policies rather than using it as a lame attempt at causing disruption because of the conflict that is. happening around the temple at the borders. 

18 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

In a recent twist in international relations, Cambodia has cut visa durations for Thai visitors to seven days, a move that has prompted Thailand to respond in kind and consider further measures impacting Cambodia

 

This must be the sort of pressure countries with no nuclear deterrent have to resort to when threatening each other. 

No problems with Cambodia or its borders for years then something sparks it off?

I can’t help think this has been instigated as a diversionary tactic to divert attention from something else happening.

Maybe a certain individual who’s due to appear in court on the 23rd is looking to make a quick exit to avoid his deception relating to his medical condition and those he paid off coming to light.

I have to say I'm most surprised by Cambodia extending the visa waiver for Thai nationals to 60 days at this time, though it is for air arrivals only at this stage. Presumably, once the land border restrictions are lifted, it will be 60 days for each other's nationals whether they arrive by air or land. 

 

I suspect that if there's a positive outcome on Saturday's joint border committee meeting, the army will gradually loosen border restrictions beginning on Monday. I don't expect a full return to normal operating hours then, but they'll probably extend opening hours at all borders to 6am to 6pm or something like that, up from the present 8am to 4pm, as well as allowing Chong Chom and Chong Sa-ngam to open on all weekdays.

 

After a couple of weeks, perhaps end of the month or next month, we could see a return to normal, though I do suspect the Thai military will continue to discourage Thais from crossing over for gambling.