Thailand closes border crossings with Cambodia amid disputes
24 Jun 2025 04:17pm
Cambodian police officials stand next to the closed gate at Poipet International border checkpoint between Cambodia-Thailand, at Poipet town in Banteay Meanchey province on June 24, 2025. Thailand's army closed border crossings with Cambodia in six provinces on June 23 to all vehicles and foot passengers except students and people seeking medical treatment, as a territorial row between the neighbours rages. (Photo by TANG CHHIN Sothy / AFP)
BANGKOK - Thailand has closed all border crossings in seven provinces and suspended cross-border movement of people, vehicles, and trade along the Thai-Cambodian border to safeguard national sovereignty and ensure public safety, amid an ongoing border dispute.
In a statement, the Royal Thai Army (RTA) spokesperson, Major General Winthai Suvaree said the tightened border control measures are in line with government policy and directives from the Ad Hoc Centre for the Thailand-Cambodia Border Situation, aimed at combating transnational crimes, including call centre and hybrid scam operations. Thai Police personnel stand guard at the closed Ban Khlong Luek International Border Checkpoint between Thailand and Cambodia, in Aranyaprathet district of Thailand's Sa Kaeo province on June 24, 2025. Thailand's army closed border crossings with Cambodia in six provinces on June 23 to all vehicles and foot passengers except students and people seeking medical treatment, as a territorial row between the neighbours rages. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP)
"Effective since June 23, 2025 (Monday), the measures include the suspension of all cross-border travel, trade and vehicle movement, except for essential humanitarian cases such as urgent medical care and educational needs. These cases will be considered by local military units.
"These actions aim to address ongoing security tensions and have proven effective in disrupting call centre and hybrid scam operations that pose a threat to Thai citizens,' he said in a statement.
According to Thai government data, Thailand operates 17 official border crossings with Cambodia, spanning seven provinces along their shared 817-kilometre frontier.
The measures were initiated on June 7 and further tightened on June 23, covering key provinces including Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket, Surin, Buriram, and Sa Kaeo.
The Royal Thai Army reiterated its commitment to balancing national security priorities with humanitarian considerations to ensure the safety and welfare of all affected communities.
On Sunday, Cambodia declared that it would cease importing fuel and gas from Thailand and issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Thailand.
Earlier this year, Thailand adopted similar measures against online scam operations in Myanmar. The crackdown included cutting electricity, internet, and gas supplies to border towns associated with the scams. - BERNAMA
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