Cambodia Shuts Border Crossings with Thailand as Fighting Escalates in Disputed Frontier
Phnom Penh suspends entry and exit points amid intense clashes that have displaced hundreds of thousands and contradicted ceasefire claims
Cambodian authorities have ordered the closure of all official border crossings with Thailand in response to an intensification of hostilities along the long-disputed frontier, a move that underscores the deepening crisis between the two Southeast Asian neighbours.
The interior ministry in Phnom Penh said that all entry and exit movements at crossings with Thailand were being suspended immediately as violence continued despite diplomatic efforts and competing claims of a ceasefire.
The closure comes after Bangkok rejected a claim by former United States President Donald Trump that a renewed truce had been agreed, and as artillery exchanges, airstrikes and rocket barrages have been reported across multiple sectors of the border.
The renewed conflict, which reignited in early December following the breakdown of a previous peace agreement, has led to at least 25 deaths in recent days and displaced around half a million civilians on both sides as entire communities have fled fighting zones.
Cambodia’s suspension of border crossings applies to both people and freight, affecting vital trade and transport links that normally support local economies and regional exchanges.
Thai authorities have also tightened controls on border movements and restricted operational hours at checkpoints as security concerns mount amid continued military operations.
Both governments blame the other for instigating renewed hostilities; Thailand maintains that its actions are defensive and aimed at protecting territorial integrity and residents, while Cambodia accuses Thai forces of aggression and violations of agreed terms.
The shutdown of crossings has exacerbated the humanitarian impact of the conflict, stranding travellers and traders and raising the spectre of broader economic disruption.
Cambodia’s interior ministry noted that the measure was necessary to safeguard citizens and manage security risks, but emphasised that humanitarian transit and essential travel would be handled on a case-by-case basis.
As the closure takes effect, regional leaders and international mediators have called for de-escalation and a return to negotiated dialogue to prevent further escalation and ease civilian suffering.
The interior ministry in Phnom Penh said that all entry and exit movements at crossings with Thailand were being suspended immediately as violence continued despite diplomatic efforts and competing claims of a ceasefire.
The closure comes after Bangkok rejected a claim by former United States President Donald Trump that a renewed truce had been agreed, and as artillery exchanges, airstrikes and rocket barrages have been reported across multiple sectors of the border.
The renewed conflict, which reignited in early December following the breakdown of a previous peace agreement, has led to at least 25 deaths in recent days and displaced around half a million civilians on both sides as entire communities have fled fighting zones.
Cambodia’s suspension of border crossings applies to both people and freight, affecting vital trade and transport links that normally support local economies and regional exchanges.
Thai authorities have also tightened controls on border movements and restricted operational hours at checkpoints as security concerns mount amid continued military operations.
Both governments blame the other for instigating renewed hostilities; Thailand maintains that its actions are defensive and aimed at protecting territorial integrity and residents, while Cambodia accuses Thai forces of aggression and violations of agreed terms.
The shutdown of crossings has exacerbated the humanitarian impact of the conflict, stranding travellers and traders and raising the spectre of broader economic disruption.
Cambodia’s interior ministry noted that the measure was necessary to safeguard citizens and manage security risks, but emphasised that humanitarian transit and essential travel would be handled on a case-by-case basis.
As the closure takes effect, regional leaders and international mediators have called for de-escalation and a return to negotiated dialogue to prevent further escalation and ease civilian suffering.
