Thailand Moves to Repatriate Thousands Stranded at Poipet Border Crossing Amid Renewed Cambodia Clash
Bangkok mobilises consular and logistical support to return up to six thousand citizens blocked from re-entering as border fighting continues
Thailand is actively working to repatriate thousands of its citizens stranded at the Poipet border crossing in Cambodia after an indefinite closure of the checkpoint disrupted travel amid intensifying clashes along the disputed frontier.
The closure, ordered by Cambodian authorities citing security concerns due to ongoing hostilities, has left large numbers of Thai workers and travellers unable to return home, prompting diplomatic and logistical efforts from Bangkok.
Thai officials say as many as six thousand nationals registered with the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh are seeking to return through the Poipet–Aranyaprathet crossing but have been prevented from doing so because movements across the border have been suspended.
The Thai foreign ministry has urged those affected to contact its consulate in Siem Reap to arrange alternative travel, including air travel, while stressing that other checkpoints remain open where fighting has not disrupted operations.
Thai authorities have also provided guidance and support for those still in Cambodia who wish to depart.
The situation has drawn additional complexity from reports that Cambodian interior officials delayed processing returnees and, in some cases, imposed informal charges, which Thai diplomats have contested and worked to resolve.
Security forces on the Thai side, including police and immigration officials, have prepared reception and screening facilities ready to process returnees once cross-border movements are authorised.
The repatriation efforts are unfolding against the backdrop of one of the most serious escalations of the long-running border conflict, with both sides deploying heavy weapons and civilians displaced in large numbers.
The Cambodian closure of Poipet has been described as a protective measure for civilians by Phnom Penh, even as Bangkok emphasises its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Thai citizens.
With fighting reported across multiple provinces and diplomatic engagement ongoing, the pace and scale of repatriations remain dependent on developments in border security and bilateral cooperation.
The closure, ordered by Cambodian authorities citing security concerns due to ongoing hostilities, has left large numbers of Thai workers and travellers unable to return home, prompting diplomatic and logistical efforts from Bangkok.
Thai officials say as many as six thousand nationals registered with the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh are seeking to return through the Poipet–Aranyaprathet crossing but have been prevented from doing so because movements across the border have been suspended.
The Thai foreign ministry has urged those affected to contact its consulate in Siem Reap to arrange alternative travel, including air travel, while stressing that other checkpoints remain open where fighting has not disrupted operations.
Thai authorities have also provided guidance and support for those still in Cambodia who wish to depart.
The situation has drawn additional complexity from reports that Cambodian interior officials delayed processing returnees and, in some cases, imposed informal charges, which Thai diplomats have contested and worked to resolve.
Security forces on the Thai side, including police and immigration officials, have prepared reception and screening facilities ready to process returnees once cross-border movements are authorised.
The repatriation efforts are unfolding against the backdrop of one of the most serious escalations of the long-running border conflict, with both sides deploying heavy weapons and civilians displaced in large numbers.
The Cambodian closure of Poipet has been described as a protective measure for civilians by Phnom Penh, even as Bangkok emphasises its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Thai citizens.
With fighting reported across multiple provinces and diplomatic engagement ongoing, the pace and scale of repatriations remain dependent on developments in border security and bilateral cooperation.
