Thailand has drastically reduced operating hours at ten major border checkpoints with Cambodia following a deadly skirmish between soldiers, citing heightened national security concerns and escalating tensions along a disputed section of the frontier.
According to Reuters, the Thai government made the announcement on June 8, days after a Cambodian soldier was killed in an exchange of gunfire in an undemarcated area near Ubon Ratchathani. The move is part of a broader military plan to prevent further incidents and stabilize border communities.
Several key border crossings — including those in Sa Kaeo, Surin, and Trat — have now had their hours cut from 6 a.m.–10 p.m. to 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Some lesser-used checkpoints, like those in Ubon Ratchathani and Si Sa Ket, will only open three days per week with additional restrictions.
Thai authorities have also imposed tighter rules:
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Thai nationals are no longer permitted to cross into Cambodia for gambling or tourism.
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Cambodian visitors are now limited to 7-day border passes, down from the previous 14 days.
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Vehicles with six or more wheels are barred from entering at specific locations.
These measures follow the May 28 incident, where a Cambodian soldier was fatally shot during a border confrontation. Both countries had since repositioned troops to the area, raising concerns of a wider conflict. However, on June 8, officials agreed to withdraw forces to previously agreed-upon locations as outlined in a 2024 border arrangement.
A high-level bilateral meeting is scheduled for June 14 under the Thailand–Cambodia Joint Boundary Committee, aimed at easing tensions and resuming peaceful negotiations. Cambodia has expressed interest in referring unresolved disputes to the International Court of Justice — a route Thailand opposes, preferring direct talks.
The sudden changes have already begun affecting border communities. In places like Aranyaprathet and Chong Chom, normally busy trade routes have seen reduced traffic. Local businesses that depend on daily cross-border movement are experiencing slowdowns, with some reports of delivery delays and market disruption.
This isn’t the first time the Thai-Cambodian border has seen conflict. Disputes over territory — particularly around the historic Preah Vihear temple — have triggered military clashes in the past, most notably between 2008 and 2011. Although the countries have signed various agreements, unresolved demarcation issues remain a source of periodic friction.
Why it matters:
With thousands relying on daily cross-border trade, tourism, and labor, these restrictions could have serious economic consequences. The situation will test diplomatic ties between Thailand and Cambodia, and may signal deeper geopolitical tensions in the region if left unresolved.
