BREAKING NEWS Thai Forces Close Sa Kaeo Border Amid Tensions

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Facebook MGR online Live

 

The First Army has ordered the closure of border crossings in Sa Kaeo due to growing tensions with Cambodia.

 

On 23rd June, the First Army released an order, signed by Lt. Gen. Amarit Boonsuya, to control all border crossing points in Sa Kaeo province.

 

This decision responds to reports of Cambodian military encroachment, including patrols and alterations to the landscape on Thai territory, which have heightened tensions and affected border residents' safety.

 

The situation has disrupted cross-border travel in the First Army's area, further complicated by crimes such as call centre scams affecting citizens nationwide.

 

In response, the First Army, overseeing the Thai-Cambodian border in Sa Kaeo, is implementing the following measures:

 

• Suspension of all vehicle crossings.
   
• Suspension of passage for people, tourists, and trade activities for both Thais and foreigners.
   
• Exceptions for humanitarian needs, such as urgent medical care, student education, and essential daily life activities.

 

Picture courtesy of Thai Rath

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Rath 2025-06-24

 

 

[HappyExpat57]

Damn! I used to do border runs at that crossing. There were a LOT of locals of both nations going back and forth doing business. This will hurt those who can least afford it.

[papa al]

tempest in a  tea pot

[Everyman]

This is the Aranyapratet-Poipet border, right? 

[webfact]

18 minutes ago, Everyman said:

This is the Aranyapratet-Poipet border, right? 

 

Yes

[webfact]

Thailand Shuts Sa Kaeo Border Amid Rising Cambodian Crisis

 

 

Thailand urgently suspended all border crossings in Sa Kaeo province yesterday, 23 June 2025, in response to escalating tensions with Cambodia.

 

The directive, signed by First Army Region Commander Lt Gen Amarit Boonsuya, aims to address Cambodian military patrols infringing on Thai territory and the rising threat of transnational crime.

 

Reports indicate that Cambodian forces have been strengthening their positions and leading symbolic activities near the Thai border, raising safety concerns. In addition, the First Army Region highlighted the growing problem of cross-border crimes, including call centre gangs and hybrid scams affecting both people and property.

 

The suspension impacts major checkpoints, including the Aranyaprathet-Poipet crossing, a vital channel for trade and tourism, as well as Ban Khao Din-Ban Laem and Ban Nong Ian-Stung Bot.

 

Restrictions apply to all vehicle crossings, individual movements, trade activities, and tourists, with exceptions for humanitarian emergencies such as medical transfers and essential education.

 

Authorities urge all residents and travellers to adhere to these restrictions and stay informed as the situation evolves. The directive remains in effect until further notice as officials work to ensure public safety and regional stability.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Pattaya News 2025-06-24

 

 

[norsurin]

Acting like kids!!!This will impact visarunners too i guess.

[vukovar77]

This isn't good for business and tourism.

[newbee2022]

The Thai army guy stretching his hand to do what? 😳

Or did he want to explain the world to Cambodians? 

"We have our own law, we give a shi", what international Courts will decide or decided already years ago. It's our temple. Sooo important. Give it to us. We don't want to lose face"

[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, norsurin said:

Acting like kids!!!This will impact visarunners too i guess.

Not to mention the day markets traders from both sides.

[riverhigh]

"This decision responds to reports of Cambodian military encroachment, including patrols and alterations to the landscape on Thai territory, which have heightened tensions and affected border residents' safety."

 

IMHO if Thailand realy wants to stop Cambodia from encroaching on their territory then do away with the Visa runs. Let the tourist pay at the immigration office. All the money stays in Thailand and nothing goes to Cambodia. Stop feeding the enemy.

 

 

[Iron Tongue]

11 minutes ago, riverhigh said:

 

IMHO if Thailand realy wants to stop Cambodia from encroaching on their territory then do away with the Visa runs. Let the tourist pay at the immigration office. All the money stays in Thailand and nothing goes to Cambodia. Stop feeding the enemy.

 

 

Visa run monies earned amount to nothing compared to the money earned from Casinos, fraud call centers, drug smuggling, and people smuggling.  Maybe smuggled gemstones and protected lumber species as well.

[riverhigh]

11 minutes ago, Iron Tongue said:

Visa run monies earned amount to nothing compared to the money earned from Casinos, fraud call centers, drug smuggling, and people smuggling.  Maybe smuggled gemstones and protected lumber species as well.

Thanks for the update, all these activities don't esxist in my bubble.

[Homburg]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

On 23rd June, the First Army released an order, signed by Lt. Gen. Amarit Boonsuya, to control all border crossing points in Sa Kaeo province.

 

No need for any elected government to run the Country.  The army is in charge.  Did I sleep through another coup? Oops, my bad!

[spidermike007]

My guess is a talented negotiator could resolve this in a few meetings. Assuming both sides are interested in settling this. It's quite possible that the Thai army is trying to justify their position and build up eroding confidence on the part of the public, in addition to trying to create reasons for the massive amounts of money that they're sucking out of the treasury every year. 

[JAG]

57 minutes ago, Iron Tongue said:

Maybe smuggled gemstones and protected lumber species as well.

Ironically, if we are to believe the rumours, that on which Mr Toad's fortune was built!

[Ctkong]

6 hours ago, HappyExpat57 said:

Damn! I used to do border runs at that crossing. There were a LOT of locals of both nations going back and forth doing business. This will hurt those who can least afford it.

• Exceptions for humanitarian needs, such as urgent medical care, student education, and essential daily life activities.
  
  I think Thai authorities allow goods and services to cross border on foot but not vehicles. 

[JAG]

7 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

My guess is a talented negotiator could resolve this in a few meetings. Assuming both sides are interested in settling this. It's quite possible that the Thai army is trying to justify their position and build up eroding confidence on the part of the public, in addition to trying to create reasons for the massive amounts of money that they're sucking out of the treasury every year. 

It is an entirely manufactured crisis, which has been created to bring down the government. Protests, court rulings and the threat of the military moving. A coup in all but name.

 

I wonder what they will call the new governing body: The National Council for Peace, Reconciliation, and Getting Back What We Have Lost (Power and Wealth)over the last few years?

NCPRGBWWHL(PW).

[Iron Tongue]

1 hour ago, riverhigh said:

Thanks for the update, all these activities don't esxist in my bubble.

So your defense is that you don't pay attention to what's happening around you, so you can ignore all the corruption and misery, huh?

Typical attitude and why so may people hate Farangs.  

 

[jwl53]

21 minutes ago, Iron Tongue said:

So your defense is that you don't pay attention to what's happening around you, so you can ignore all the corruption and misery, huh?

Typical attitude and why so may people hate Farangs.  

 

Yes pay attention to what is happening like the Ukraine, the Rushkies, Iran, Israel, the Yanks, by all means don't miss the spat in the temple almes bowl 

[Colki]

As Homburg states this should not be an army decision. It should be done by the government and enforced by the army. No wonder Thailand has issues re the segregation of powers.