Thailand Restricts Crossings at Cambodia Border

1 day ago 5

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Thailand has increased inspections at its land border with Cambodia and is restricting tourists who want to visit the country. This action is being taken amid growing security concerns and escalating tensions resulting from a long-standing border dispute between the two countries.

The relationship between the two has deteriorated further after an armed confrontation on May 28, 2025, where a Cambodian soldier was killed in a relatively small and contested area. Despite both parties agreeing to ease the dispute, ongoing or looming actions keep tensions high.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said Thailand will increase inspections at the land borders and prohibit tourists from traveling to Cambodia. Only students, medical patients, and individuals needing to purchase essential goods will be allowed to enter or leave Thailand for Cambodia, meaning thousands of tourists will have to rethink their plans.

In a statement on Monday, June 23, 2025, he said the action is aimed at restricting people who visit the profitable casinos in Cambodia. However, it appears that all tourists will be banned from crossing the border, as reported by The Independent.

Paetongtarn added that foreign tourists will also be prohibited from flights from Thailand to the popular resort city in Cambodia, Siem Reap, the nearest airport to the famous Angkor Wat temple complex. The government has not indicated when the restrictions will be lifted, and aviation authorities are preparing for a potentially prolonged stalemate.

Meanwhile, the Thai military said it has implemented measures at every land border checkpoint between Thailand and Cambodia in five provinces, and has halted all crossings except for people with essential needs.

Fraud Network

In addition to the political response, these restrictions are also part of the Thai government's efforts to crack down on illegal operations based in Cambodia. Paetongtarn emphasized the government's commitment to address threats to national security, especially transnational crimes related to border issues, as highlighted by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

A UN report last April named Cambodia as a center for fraud operations, where its workers use the internet to lure victims through misleading romantic tactics, fake investment promotions, and illegal gambling schemes.

Earlier this year, Thailand implemented measures aimed at cracking down on online fraud operations in Myanmar by cutting off the supply of electricity, internet, and gas to the border towns where the fraud occurred. It seems he will take similar action against similar fraud operations in Cambodia.

In response to the border dispute, Cambodia has boycotted some Thai internet services and blocked the supply of electricity and fuel from Thailand.

Travel Advisory

The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) has issued several warnings to travelers. Among them is to be cautious and vigilant in border areas and follow instructions from local authorities.

"Especially at tourist destinations such as the Preah Vihear temple, the Ta Kwai temple and the Ta Muen Thom temple. There are also unexploded landmines in the border area. Stay on marked paths especially around Ta Krabey," the agency statement as reported by Euronews

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