Thailand, Cambodia shut border crossings amid turmoil in Bangkok
The closure of a border crossing in northeastern Buri Ram province was effective from June 21, according to an order by the Thai army late on Saturday. Cambodia then retaliated with the permanent shutdown of the same passage as well as another checkpoint, according to Cambodian leader Hun Manet, who criticised the Thai army's move.
The Thai army said it was its prerogative to restrict border movements to protect the country's sovereignty for national security reasons, as it's done since June 7.
Relations between the two countries were tense after troops exchanged fire on May 28 in the disputed Chong Bok border area, resulting in the death of a Cambodian soldier. Both countries have massed troops along the frontier and closed or shortened the operational hours of several land crossings that act as vital trade links.
Cambodia has sought to get the International Court of Justice in The Hague to help settle land disputes in Chong Bok and three other border areas with Thailand. That has angered Bangkok, which has said it does not recognise the court's jurisdiction.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra (centre) with 2nd Army Region Commander Boonsin Padklang (left) as she meets with military personnel during a visit to Morakot Operation Base, in Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand, on Friday. Photo: EPA-EFE
There was no need for any bilateral agreement on reopening border checkpoints, Hun Manet said in a statement on Sunday. Thailand needs to lift all restrictions first and Cambodia will do the same within five hours, he said.
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