Politics Poipet Casinos Reeling as Thai Border Crackdown Hits Gambling Trade

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Naewna.

 

A Thai military-led border restriction targeting cross-border gambling has severely impacted ten major casinos in Poipet, Cambodia, with operations grinding to a near standstill and thousands of Thai workers sent home.

 

Now after days of intensified border controls at the Ban Khlong Luek checkpoint in Aranyaprathet District, the once-bustling Poipet gambling zone has turned eerily quiet. The move is part of Thailand’s strategic response to ongoing border disputes with Cambodia, using economic pressure to curb tensions.

 

Under the new measures, the Thai military has adjusted operating hours at the Klong Luek border gate to limit access. Thai authorities open the checkpoint at 08:00, while Cambodia’s Poipet gate opens at 09:00, causing a one-hour discrepancy that disrupts travel flow. Border security forces have been deployed to conduct strict screening, allowing only Thai nationals with verified employment in Cambodia to cross and even then, for no more than seven days at a time.

 

As a result, ten of Poipet’s best-known casinos, including Holiday Palace, Grand Diamond, Star Vegas, Poipet Resort, Golden Crown, Tropicana, Diamond City, Star Gold, OK VIP, and DNA Casino, have reported a drastic drop in visitors. With Thai gamblers effectively blocked from entering, casino operators have laid off over 80% of their Thai staff, sending them back across the border.

 

Mr. Yo, an employee at one of the casinos, described the situation as unprecedented. “In the past days, all the casinos here have been empty. Nearly all junket companies, which used to bring in Thai gamblers, have closed, over 50 companies in total,” he said.

 

In anticipation of further escalation, including possible cuts to electricity or internet by Thai authorities, casino operators have begun preparing backup power generators to maintain operations during potential outages.

 

Back on the Thai side, thousands of returning Thai workers, mostly laid-off casino staff, have flooded the Aranyaprathet immigration terminal. Long queues formed as returning nationals awaited passport checks, prompting immigration officials to deploy additional staff to manage the crowds. Immigration chief Pol. Col. Naphatphong Supaporn was present to oversee operations.

 

According to Col. Naphatphong, more than 20,000 Thai nationals have returned from Poipet since the measures were introduced on 7 June, many of whom were working in casinos or small businesses in the Cambodian town.

 

The Thai military’s Eastern Border Command has stated that these measures are aimed at reducing gambling and asserting diplomatic pressure on Cambodia, while ensuring legitimate Thai workers are not unduly affected.

 

As the standoff continues, the future of Poipet’s casino industry, heavily reliant on Thai patrons, hangs in the balance.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-06-11