Thailand Keeps Border with Cambodia Shut Amid Tensions

PM Anutin visits Sisaket’s Phu Sing district to support a by-election campaign | Photo via Bhumjaithai/Facebook

Thailand will continue to keep its border with Cambodia closed as long as confrontational actions from Cambodian civilians persist, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced during a visit to Sa Kaeo province on September 21. This decision follows violent protests by Cambodian civilians on the Thai side, allegedly to assert territorial claims. Anutin emphasized that without a resolution to these pressures, negotiations are off the table, and the border will remain closed with possible intensified controls.

The tensions arose after reports of Cambodian civilians, reportedly supported by soldiers, wielding long wooden sticks with metal tips during aggressive demonstrations. Prime Minister Anutin assured that the Thai military has full authority in border operations, while the government will handle diplomatic efforts. Anutin expressed strong support for the military's right to place Thai flags and reclaim any Thai territory encroached upon by Cambodia.

Royal Thai Army spokesperson Major General Winthai Suwaree accused Cambodia of breaching the UN Charter by inciting violence within Thailand and deploying armed personnel across the border. The spokesperson also claimed that several Thai officials had suffered injuries during the Cambodian-backed protests. Furthermore, Winthai noted that Cambodia's actions, such as laying anti-personnel mines, violated the existing ceasefire between the two nations.

Previously, the Royal Thai Army had accused Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet of creating misleading narratives about the border conflict in Ban Nong Ya Kaew, Sa Kaeo province. They warned Malaysia against appearing biased if they accept Cambodia's perspective on the dispute. The spokesman highlighted Cambodia's use of provocative tactics, including employing women, children, and monks as human shields during demonstrations.

Looking forward, it remains uncertain when or how negotiations might resume, as tensions continue to simmer. With Thailand firm on its stance, any easing of border controls seems unlikely until a peaceful resolution is achieved. International observers may monitor the situation, waiting to see if diplomatic efforts can ease the strained relations between the two countries.

Key Takeaways

• Thailand will keep its border with Cambodia closed due to ongoing tensions.
• Prime Minister Anutin supports military actions to protect Thai territory.
• Cambodia accused of violating the UN Charter with provocative border actions.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-09-22