Cambodian Civilians Plead for Peace at the Closed Border

Tensions at the Thai-Cambodian border are nearing breaking point, as a simmering territorial dispute shutters key land crossings and leaves ordinary Cambodians begging both sides to step back from the brink.

Since Monday, Thailand has closed all formal border points with Cambodia across seven provinces, citing national security following a deadly clash on 28 May that left a Cambodian soldier dead. The closures, enforced by regional military commands, have disrupted trade, trapped travellers, and brought towns like Poipet to a near standstill.

“I don’t want to see a war anymore. I am so tired of it,” said San Noeun, a 64-year-old tuk-tuk driver in Poipet. His earnings have collapsed, and he now fears for his family’s safety. “We do not have a bunker,” he added quietly from the makeshift hut he shares with his son.

The economic fallout has been swift. Once-busy markets in Poipet—known for casinos, commuters and a controversial cyberscam underbelly—are empty. Shoe vendor Chhan Siyoeung said sales have dried up: “People don’t want to spend money when there’s fear. But I have nowhere else to go.”

On Tuesday, thousands of Cambodians were stranded in Thailand when border gates were abruptly locked without warning. Under public pressure, Thai authorities briefly reopened some crossings—like Klong Luek in Sa Kaeo province—but chaos followed. Riot police were deployed. By nightfall Wednesday, hundreds remained trapped, demanding answers.

“Who’s stopping us? Thai or Khmer? We just want to go home!” one woman shouted through the fencing at Aranyaprathet.

Thai officials insist only limited exceptions remain—humanitarian cases and students—but even schoolchildren were blocked from crossing in Surin province on Wednesday.

Behind the scenes, the crisis has escalated politically. A leaked phone call between Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodia’s ex-leader Hun Sen—meant to soothe tensions—has sparked backlash in Bangkok. Anti-government protests are planned for Saturday.

On the ground, though, fear outweighs politics. Both militaries are on high alert. Cambodian forces are reportedly advancing toward the border, while Thai troops have restricted access to former conflict zones like Preah Vihear.

“We won’t fire first,” said Lt. Gen. Boonsin Padklang of Thailand’s Second Army Region, “but if we’re attacked, we’ll respond.”

As sabres rattle, the people of Poipet and Sa Kaeo remain caught in the crossfire—hungry, anxious, and desperate for calm.

-2025-06-26