File photo courtesy of Thailand Business News

 

The Thai-Cambodian border checkpoints are to remain closed indefinitely, as confirmed by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, despite pressure from the business community. Ongoing security concerns and recent disputes along the border have stalled any plans to resume cross-border trading. Last July's border clashes, which resulted in casualties, have heightened tensions, leading Thai authorities to prioritise national security over economic transactions.

 

Thailand's prime minister emphasised that matters of national security and territorial integrity were paramount. The recent conflicts have raised fears of potential renewed hostilities, making the reopening of border checkpoints unlikely for the foreseeable future. The Federation of Thai Industries had requested government support, such as tax incentives, to mitigate the economic impact on the logistics industry during the closure.

 

Military leaders, including retiring Second Army Area Commander Lt. Gen. Boonsin Padklang, have strongly opposed the reopening of the checkpoints. They insist that the Cambodian forces must withdraw from disputed territories before any reconsideration. Current closures affect provinces like Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket, Surin, and Buriram in the northeast, and Sakaeo, Chanthaburi, and Trat in the east. Last year, cross-border trade between the two nations amounted to 174 billion baht, with Thai exports accounting for 141 billion baht.

 

Key Takeaways:

 

• Thai-Cambodian border checkpoints remain closed indefinitely amid security concerns.
• Recent military clashes have halted reopening, putting national security first.
• Economic impact prompts calls for government support despite closure.

Related Stories:

 

German Man Joins Thai Protest Against Border Reopening

Thai Military Attaché Protests Cambodia Border Talks Row

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-09-16

 

 

All by design.

 

Projekt Nail Your Axrse to the Grass in go mode.

 

Our Rulers don't wish us traveling so easily.

4 minutes ago, Woke to Sounds said:

All by design.

 

Projekt Nail Your Axrse to the Grass in go mode.

 

Our Rulers don't wish us traveling so easily.

If it makes you feel better to think that people are in control. The reality is that no one is in control. Make of that what you will

8 minutes ago, angryguy said:

If it makes you feel better to think that people are in control. The reality is that no one is in control. Make of that what you will

Control does not exist. It´s just a state of mind.

1 hour ago, Gottfrid said:

Control does not exist. It´s just a state of mind.

Maybe control was the friends we made along the way?

1 hour ago, Woke to Sounds said:

All by design.

 

Projekt Nail Your Axrse to the Grass in go mode.

 

Our Rulers don't wish us traveling so easily.

 

Correct.

 

That's what this is all about.

 

It might sound crazy but it could very well be that the borders will never reopen.

 

Thais certainly don't want them to and most Cambodians don't either.

 

I am wondering whether this is a prelude to some larger conflict. Already Poland seems to be getting ready for confrontation with Russia and so are other European nations. The borders between Russia and the EU have been completely closed, save for one lone crossing between Norway and Russia, since 2022 and show no signs of re-opening.

 

Regarding Thailand-Cambodia, eventually they will establish a no human habitation zone along both sides of the border. War or fear of war is a good way of getting people to leave voluntarily. I can foresee a new forest being established along the Thai-Cambodian frontier, the whole way from the Lao border down to Aranyaprathet, that being the only border town that will remain on the actual border.

1 hour ago, angryguy said:

If it makes you feel better to think that people are in control. The reality is that no one is in control. Make of that what you will

Ok let's see how well you do trying to cross the border. Why don't you test your theory? 

On 9/15/2025 at 7:25 PM, Gottfrid said:

Control does not exist. It´s just a state of mind.

 

Wish it were so . . . but sadly . . . more new age b.s. (bologna sandwiches)

 

Doubt me?

 

Test it.

 

Show up at the airport without your passport and use your mind power (state of mind) to board the flight and see how far you get   😂

2 hours ago, Woke to Sounds said:

 

Wish it were so . . . but sadly . . . more new age b.s. (bologna sandwiches)

 

Doubt me?

 

Test it.

 

Show up at the airport without your passport and use your mind power (state of mind) to board the flight and see how far you get   😂

Eeh!? So a passport is same like control for you. Heard any more sounds lately? 😂