Chaos at Poipet as Thai Military Shuts Border with Cambodia

Hundreds of travellers were left stranded Tuesday morning at the Poipet International Border Crossing after Thailand’s military abruptly closed all land borders with Cambodia, citing rising tensions over a “border issue.”

The closure, announced late on 23 June by commanders of Thailand’s military Region 1 and Region 2, took immediate effect and impacts crossings from Malai district in the west to Preah Vihear province in the north. Only limited “humanitarian” traffic is being allowed through.

At Poipet, a key gateway in Banteay Meanchey Province, confusion quickly escalated. Travellers, including Thai nationals, Cambodians, and migrant workers, found themselves caught on either side of the divide, with no official guidance and no clear timeline for reopening.

“It happened without warning,” said one Cambodian border official, speaking anonymously. “We’ve received no formal communication from Bangkok.”

The Cambodian government has yet to issue an official response to Thailand’s unilateral move. Meanwhile, local authorities at Poipet and other affected crossings are scrambling to manage swelling crowds and fraying tempers.

Tensions between the two countries have flared periodically over issues ranging from migration to overlapping territorial claims, but the Thai military’s sweeping border shutdown has stunned observers.

Regional analysts note that such a drastic measure — taken without bilateral coordination — could have serious diplomatic and economic consequences, especially for border communities reliant on cross-border trade and daily travel.

For now, the mood at Poipet remains one of frustration and uncertainty, as stranded passengers wait under the scorching sun with little information and even less recourse.

-2025-06-24