Latest news with #borderclosure
Free Malaysia Today
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Thailand recalls ambassador, expels Cambodian envoy
The territorial dispute has soured ties between Cambodia and Thailand and prompted the closure of border crossings. (EPA Images pic) BANGKOK : Thailand expelled the Cambodian ambassador today and recalled its own envoy, after a Thai soldier lost a leg in a landmine blast as a border dispute festers. Acting prime minister Phumtham Wechayachai said an investigation by the Thai military found evidence that Cambodia had laid new landmines in the disputed area. A long-running territorial row in an area known as the Emerald Triangle, where the borders of both countries and Laos meet, boiled over into military clashes in May that left one Cambodian soldier dead. Since then, the two sides have traded barbs and tit-for-tat retaliatory measures, with Thailand restricting border crossings and Cambodia halting certain imports. Five members of a Thai military patrol were wounded by the landmine this afternoon in the Nam Yuen district of northeastern Ubon Ratchathani province, the Thai army said. In response, the government agreed to an army proposal to close a number of border checkpoints, he said in a statement to journalists. 'It has also decided to downgrade diplomatic relations by recalling the Thai ambassador to Cambodia and expelling Cambodia's ambassador to Thailand,' he said. The Thai army said in a statement that as well as the soldier who lost his leg, others suffered ear injuries and chest pain in the blast. The army chief will visit the wounded soldiers tomorrow. The border dispute has soured relations between Phnom Penh and Bangkok – prompting the closure of border crossings, and Cambodia blocking imports of fuel and gas as well as fruit and vegetables from Thailand. It also kicked off a domestic political crisis in Thailand, where prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been suspended from office pending an ethics probe over her conduct during the row. A diplomatic call between Paetongtarn and Hun Sen, Cambodia's former long-time ruler and father of Cambodian prime minister Hun Manet, was leaked from the Cambodian side, sparking a judicial investigation. Last week, Hun Manet announced that Cambodia would start conscripting civilians next year, activating a long-dormant mandatory draft law. He said the tensions with Thailand meant conscription was needed, and the defence budget may also be increased.
LBCI
12-07-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Lebanon-Syria tensions rise as Damascus steps up pressure over detainee issue
Report by Wissam Nasrallah, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian Syria is considering escalating measures against Lebanon, starting with the suspension of certain security and economic channels and potentially leading to the closure of border crossings, according to sources cited by "Syria TV." However, Syria's Ministry of Information has denied any intention to take such steps against Lebanon, according to media reports. Regardless of whether the reports are accurate, they point to one clear issue: the Syrian presidency is reportedly displeased with what it views as the Lebanese authorities' delay in addressing the situation of Syrian detainees in Lebanese prisons. Justice Minister Adel Nassar told LBCI that Lebanon is open to establishing a treaty with Syria concerning Syrian detainees. However, he clarified that such an agreement would not include individuals convicted of terrorism, the killing of Lebanese soldiers or civilians, or rape. Nassar also expressed support for expediting trials—whether for Lebanese or Syrians—provided that legal procedures are followed. If Damascus does proceed with escalation, including closing the Lebanese-Syrian border, it will cut off land shipping routes between the two countries. Sources at the Economy Ministry said this would force Lebanon to rely on air freight to Iraq, Jordan, and Gulf countries at significantly higher costs that vary by destination. While Syria has not yet made an official decision to escalate, the messages conveyed—whether through the media or behind the scenes—reflect a tense atmosphere that could lead to concrete measures at any time.
Daily Mail
24-06-2025
- Daily Mail
Foreign Office issues urgent advice for British tourists in Thailand
The UK Government has updated its advice for British tourists holidaying in Thailand and Cambodia. Thailand's army has closed country's border crossings into Cambodia after a deterioration in relations between the two Southeast Asian countries. In an update on the FCDO advice page for Thailand, the Foreign Office says: 'Land borders/crossings between Thailand and Cambodia are temporarily suspended due to a dispute between Thailand and Cambodia. 'Take extra care and stay alert in border areas and follow the instructions of 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 border is currently closed to nearly all travellers, including international tourists. Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said on Monday that Thailand would block departing tourists. There are exemptions in place for students, medical patients and people who need to purchase essential goods. In the Foreign Office's advice for Cambodia, the government also shared an updated warning over the closed land borders. It advises tourists to 'follow the instructions of the local authorities' and 'take extra care'. Tensions between the two countries have been high since May when troops exchanged fire at a contested area of the border. A Cambodian soldier was killed in the incident between the two countries. In the weeks since, Cambodia has banned Thai films from TV and cinemas and put restrictions on imports. Both Thailand and Cambodia are popular backpacking destinations with many travellers visiting both countries as part of one trip. Known as the 'Banana Pancake Trail', tourists tend to take follow a route through Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Laos. Many travellers choose to cross at the country's land borders, rather than taking internal flights. The Poipet border is one of the busiest crossings between the two countries as it's closest to Bangkok and the ancient city of Siem Reap in Cambodia. Siem Reap is one of Cambodia's major attractions and a huge draw for tourists in southeast Asia Local media reported that many travellers were left stranded at the crossing after the border closure on the morning of June 24. Cambodia's casino industry is likely to be impacted by the closure as the attractions are a key draw for Thai visitors. Casinos located in Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh are a central part of its tourism industry.
CNA
24-06-2025
- CNA
Border confusion as Thailand shuts land crossings with Cambodia
ARANYAPRATHET, Thailand: Dozens of tourists and workers, some carrying children, were left stranded on Tuesday (Jun 24) at Thailand's main land crossing with Cambodia, after the army stopped almost all border traffic in an escalating territorial dispute. Thailand has closed crossing points in all seven border provinces to everyone except students and those seeking medical treatment, after a long-running row erupted into military clashes last month in which a Cambodian soldier was killed. There was confusion at the Ban Khlong Luek checkpoint in Sa Kaeo province - the main crossing for people travelling overland to Cambodia's Siem Reap, where the Angkor Wat complex is located. Around 50 Cambodian workers, mostly vendors who regularly cross into Thailand for trade, found themselves stuck at the checkpoint, unable to return home. "I wanted to go back last night but had to sleep at my shop instead because police didn't allow me to cross," said Malin Po, 38, a clothing seller. "I usually cross every day because I come to work in Thailand and go back home to Cambodia." She said no one had explained why the checkpoint was closed, leaving many frustrated. Riot police were stationed near the crossing point - a grand archway sealed shut with yellow railings - as people trudged back towards the Thai side after being turned away. Chanta Wo, 32, a Cambodian carpenter based in Sa Kaeo, said he was trying to cross the border after learning that his 73-year-old mother-in-law had just died. Travelling with his wife, brother, two-year-old daughter and one-month-old baby, he was seen changing his infant son's nappy on a bench near the checkpoint. "I was warned away by the police ... I'm very concerned," he told AFP. BORDER ROW As well as Cambodian workers, a handful of tourists hoping to cross the border also found themselves stuck. Matteo Toso, 34, from Turin, Italy, said he was backpacking across Asia and had spent two months starting from Nepal before attempting to cross into Cambodia. "I might have to go back to Bangkok and take a plane to Cambodia but of course that's more expensive," he told AFP. He said he was concerned that tensions between Thailand and Cambodia could impact Thailand's tourism in the long run. Dozens were also stuck on the Cambodian side of the border, where food sellers urged the two sides to reconcile. "I appeal to both Cambodia and Thailand to get along with each other again, so all people can make mutual benefits," seafood vendor Phong Ratanak, 37, told AFP. Touch, 18, who has been working on a farm in Thailand, said she did not know the news about the border restrictions imposed by the Thai army. "I have been waiting at the checkpoint since the morning. I don't know what would happen," she told AFP, adding she felt "a bit sad". Thailand and Cambodia are at odds over several small sections of their border in a row that dates back to the drawing of the 800km frontier in the early 20th century during the French occupation of Indochina. Violence sparked by the dispute has led to at least 28 deaths in the region since 2008, but the issue had died down in recent years until last month's flare-up. Peace-seeking talks stalled, and Cambodia has banned imports of fuel and oil from Thailand, as well as Thai fruit and vegetables. The row has also gravely wounded Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is facing calls to quit over a leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen, which saw her accused of appeasing Phnom Penh and undermining her own military. Thai border police said it was unclear when the crossing would reopen, adding that officers on the ground were following military orders with limited information.
News.com.au
24-06-2025
- News.com.au
Border confusion as Thailand shuts land crossings with Cambodia
Dozens of tourists and workers, some carrying children, were left stranded on Tuesday at Thailand's main land crossing with Cambodia, after the army stopped almost all border traffic in an escalating territorial dispute. Thailand has closed crossing points in in all seven border provinces to everyone except students and those seeking medical treatment, after a long-running row erupted into military clashes last month in which a Cambodian soldier was killed. There was confusion at the Ban Khlong Luek checkpoint in Sa Kaeo province -- the main crossing for people travelling overland to Cambodia's Siem Reap, where the Angkor Wat complex is located. Around 50 Cambodian workers, mostly vendors who regularly cross into Thailand for trade, found themselves stuck at the checkpoint, unable to return home. "I wanted to go back last night but had to sleep at my shop instead because police didn't allow me to cross," said Malin Po, 38, a clothing seller. "I usually cross every day because I come to work in Thailand and go back home to Cambodia." She said no one had explained why the checkpoint was closed, leaving many frustrated. Riot police were stationed near the crossing point -- a grand archway sealed shut with yellow railings -- as people trudged back towards the Thai side after being turned away. Chanta Wo, 32, a Cambodian carpenter based in Sa Kaeo, said he was trying to cross the border after learning that his 73 year old mother-in-law had just died. Travelling with his wife, brother, two-year-old daughter and a one-month-old baby, he was seen changing his infant son's nappy on a bench near the checkpoint. "I was warned away by the police... I'm very concerned," he told AFP. - Border row - As well as Cambodian workers, a handful of tourists hoping to cross the border also found themselves stuck. Matteo Toso, 34, from Turin, Italy, said he was backpacking across Asia and had spent two months starting from Nepal before attempting to cross into Cambodia. "I might have to go back to Bangkok and take a plane to Cambodia but of course that's more expensive," he told AFP. He said he was concerned that tensions between Thailand and Cambodia could impact Thailand's tourism in the long run. "I haven't seen many tourists, but it's the low season," he said. "During the high season, this could be bad for the country." Thailand and Cambodia are at odds over several small sections of their border in a row that dates back to the drawing of the 800-kilometre (500-mile) frontier in the early 20th century during the French occupation of Indochina. Violence sparked by the dispute has led to at least 28 deaths in the region since 2008, but the issue had died down in recent years until last month's flare-up. Peace-seeking talks stalled, and Cambodia has banned imports of fuel and oil from Thailand, as well as Thai fruit and vegetables. The row has also gravely wounded Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is facing calls to quit over a leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen which saw her accused of appeasing Phnom Penh and undermining her own military. Thai border police said it was unclear when the crossing would reopen, adding that officers on the ground were following military orders with limited information.
