Thailand Tightens Border Restrictions with Cambodia Amid Tensions
New measures impose restricted hours and bans on certain crossers as diplomatic tensions escalate.
Thailand has reduced the operational hours of various border checkpoints with Cambodia and instituted new bans affecting specific individuals and vehicles.
These measures, implemented on June 7, 2025, have arisen amid ongoing tensions between the two nations, with Cambodia accusing Thailand of territorial incursions and military aggression.
In response, the Thai military rejected these claims, asserting that Cambodian soldiers had crossed into Thai territory in Ubon Ratchathani province on May 28 and had opened fire during an approach for discussions.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura outlined a four-stage approach that Thailand plans to employ, ranging from moderate to severe, to address the escalation of incidents at the border.
The first phase allows continued border crossings for trade and essential activities while increasing scrutiny on individuals deemed risky, including suspected gamblers and criminals.
In the subsequent stage, border crossing days and times will be restricted to manage movement more effectively.
The third stage permits selective border closure in high-risk areas where potential military confrontations could occur.
The final stage involves a complete closure of the border should the situation deteriorate significantly.
In terms of checkpoint operations, significant adjustments have been made across several crossings:
- The Chong Ahn Ma crossing in Ubon Ratchathani, which was previously open twice a week, is now only accessible on Thursdays from 9 AM to noon.
- The Sai Taku crossing in Buri Ram will now open three times per week, instead of daily, from 9 AM to noon.
- Changes at the Chong Sa-ngam crossing in Si Sa Ket and the Chong Jom crossing in Surin both entail limiting access to three days a week and barring construction materials from transport.
- The Ban Klong Luek crossing in Sa Kaeo has altered its operational hours to 8 AM to 4 PM, with restrictions on gambling and tourist movements.
Additionally, both Cambodian and Thai traders must now utilize border passes with a validity of seven days, reduced from fourteen.
- Other crossings, including the Thai-Cambodian Friendship Bridge, also have adjusted operating hours, with some restrictions specifically prohibiting trucks with six or more wheels.
- The Ban Ta Phraya and Ban Nong Prue crossings have instituted opening hours from 8 AM to noon, with military personnel on-site possessing discretionary authority to approve or deny individual crossings.
- Lastly, the Ban Hat Lek crossing has shifted its opening times to 8 AM to 4 PM, changing from 6 AM to 6 PM.
These border restrictions reflect a broader concern over security and safety amid diplomatic strains, with Thailand emphasizing a commitment to utilize bilateral mechanisms, notably the Joint Boundary Committee, which is scheduled to convene on June 14.
The developments highlight the fragile state of relations between Thailand and Cambodia as both nations navigate national security and cooperation challenges.
These measures, implemented on June 7, 2025, have arisen amid ongoing tensions between the two nations, with Cambodia accusing Thailand of territorial incursions and military aggression.
In response, the Thai military rejected these claims, asserting that Cambodian soldiers had crossed into Thai territory in Ubon Ratchathani province on May 28 and had opened fire during an approach for discussions.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura outlined a four-stage approach that Thailand plans to employ, ranging from moderate to severe, to address the escalation of incidents at the border.
The first phase allows continued border crossings for trade and essential activities while increasing scrutiny on individuals deemed risky, including suspected gamblers and criminals.
In the subsequent stage, border crossing days and times will be restricted to manage movement more effectively.
The third stage permits selective border closure in high-risk areas where potential military confrontations could occur.
The final stage involves a complete closure of the border should the situation deteriorate significantly.
In terms of checkpoint operations, significant adjustments have been made across several crossings:
- The Chong Ahn Ma crossing in Ubon Ratchathani, which was previously open twice a week, is now only accessible on Thursdays from 9 AM to noon.
- The Sai Taku crossing in Buri Ram will now open three times per week, instead of daily, from 9 AM to noon.
- Changes at the Chong Sa-ngam crossing in Si Sa Ket and the Chong Jom crossing in Surin both entail limiting access to three days a week and barring construction materials from transport.
- The Ban Klong Luek crossing in Sa Kaeo has altered its operational hours to 8 AM to 4 PM, with restrictions on gambling and tourist movements.
Additionally, both Cambodian and Thai traders must now utilize border passes with a validity of seven days, reduced from fourteen.
- Other crossings, including the Thai-Cambodian Friendship Bridge, also have adjusted operating hours, with some restrictions specifically prohibiting trucks with six or more wheels.
- The Ban Ta Phraya and Ban Nong Prue crossings have instituted opening hours from 8 AM to noon, with military personnel on-site possessing discretionary authority to approve or deny individual crossings.
- Lastly, the Ban Hat Lek crossing has shifted its opening times to 8 AM to 4 PM, changing from 6 AM to 6 PM.
These border restrictions reflect a broader concern over security and safety amid diplomatic strains, with Thailand emphasizing a commitment to utilize bilateral mechanisms, notably the Joint Boundary Committee, which is scheduled to convene on June 14.
The developments highlight the fragile state of relations between Thailand and Cambodia as both nations navigate national security and cooperation challenges.