Politics 2nd Army Region Commander Orders Closure of Chong Sai Taku Border Trade Point in Buriram

[Georgealbert]

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

In a decisive move aimed at safeguarding national sovereignty and public safety, the Commander of The 2nd Army Region has ordered the immediate closure of the Chong Sai Taku border trade checkpoint in Chanthop Phat subdistrict, Ban Kruat district, Buriram province.

 

The directive, issued on 21 June 2025 under Army Region 2 Order No. 176/2568, follows an earlier special order by the Royal Thai Army (Order No. 806/2568) which grants authority to regional commands to regulate the opening and closure of all types of border crossings along the Thai-Cambodian border.

 

The order empowers the Suranaree Task Force, operating under the 2nd Army Region, to manage these border points in accordance with the security requirements and strategic needs of the area. The military cited the protection of Thai sovereignty, the safety of local residents and the overall stability of the border region as the primary motivations for the closure.

 

The Chong Sai Taku checkpoint has operated as a local trade facilitation point, serving cross-border commerce in the area. However, authorities have deemed its temporary shutdown necessary to maintain effective security operations.

 

The order was signed by Lieutenant General Boonsin Phadklang, Commander of the 2nd Army Region, and takes effect from 21 June 2025 onwards. No specific date has been given for its reopening.

 

Further announcements will be made based on ongoing assessments of the security situation in the area.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khoasod 2025-06-22

 

 

 

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Cambodia Hits Back: PM Hun Manet Orders Closure of Choam and Chup Koki Border Checkpoints in Retaliation

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

In a response to Thailand’s unilateral closure of the Chong Sai Taku checkpoint in Buri Ram province, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has ordered the immediate and permanent closure of two major border crossings, Choam and Chup Koki.

 

Speaking on the morning of 22 June, Hun Manet declared that Cambodia would not remain passive in the face of what he described as “unilateral pressure” from Thailand. The action was taken after the governor of Oddar Meanchey province reported that Thailand’s Second Army Region had decided to close the Chup Koki border post without prior consultation.

 

“I agree fully with the response of the provincial governor. We will also shut the border checkpoint permanently,” said the Prime Minister. “I have also instructed that Thailand be formally notified of our decision to close both the Chup Koki and Choam crossings, effective immediately.”

 

Hun Manet’s comments highlighted growing tensions between the two neighbours, citing that since 7 June 2025, the Thai military has repeatedly closed border crossings unilaterally. The Cambodian government, he insisted, has made no moves to inconvenience cross-border communities and workers, but is now compelled to respond in kind.

 

He further criticised perceived inconsistencies in Thai governance, noting that while Thai political leaders, including the Prime Minister, have expressed a willingness to reopen border crossings through bilateral negotiations, the military continues to act independently by adjusting or suspending border operations at will.

 

“I cannot say whether this is a coordinated strategy between the Thai government and military,” he said. “But it is clear that no coherent internal policy exists on the Thai side, one side calls for diplomacy while the other proceeds unilaterally.”

 

In contrast, Hun Manet emphasised Cambodia’s internal unity, stating that all levels of authority, from the national leadership to frontline officials and the military, act in concert and strictly follow national directives.

 

Reaffirming Cambodia’s stance, the Prime Minister dismissed the need for bilateral negotiations, stating that if Thailand genuinely wishes to reopen the borders, it can do so immediately by reversing its unilateral closures. “Should the Thai military reopen its checkpoints, Cambodia will follow suit and fully reopen within five hours,” he promised.

 

“This is a simple matter with a straightforward solution,” Hun Manet concluded. “There is no need for drawn-out negotiations, only genuine political will from the Thai side.”

 

The diplomatic standoff raises concerns over economic and social impacts on border communities that rely heavily on cross-border trade and travel. With tensions rising, observers await the next move from Bangkok.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Amarin 2025-06-22

 

 

 

[smedly]

did you get permission to do this from the government  ?

 

is there a line of command ?

[JoePai]

Bunch of kids squabbling in a school play yard  😡