Thailand has shut down its entire border with Cambodia due to a growing conflict, as both nations exchanged accusations this morning.
The rules affect any vehicle or individual attempting to enter Cambodia from checkpoints in multiple Thai provinces, as well as international travelers arriving by air.
Tensions between the two Southeast Asian nations have worsened after a military clash on May 28, resulting in the death of one Cambodian soldier in a minor, disputed area.
Thailand asserts that Cambodia launched rockets and heavy artillery across the border on July 24, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 Thai citizens. Thailand subsequently responded with air strikes against military targets. Each side blamed the other for initiating the attacks.
Travelers in Thailand prohibited from entering Cambodia by land
In May, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stated that Thailand would increase inspections at land borders and prevent tourists from leaving.
Only students, hospitalized individuals, and those requiring to buy necessary items would be permitted to come in or go out.Thailandfor Cambodia, implying that thousands of travelers have been forced to reconsider their itineraries.
She stated that the measures were intended to prevent individuals from moving toward Cambodia’s “profitable”casinosbut it turned out that all tourists would be prevented from crossing the border.
The Thai military subsequently stated in a release that it had put the measures into effect at all land border checkpoints betweenThailandand Cambodia in five provinces, and that it was halting all crossings except for individuals with necessary requirements.
Paetongtarn mentioned that international travelers would also be prohibited from flying from Thailand to the well-known Cambodian tourist destination of Siem Reap, which is the nearest airport to the famous site.Angkor Wat temple complex.
Flights are still operating according to the planned schedule, at least for the time being.
The Cambodian State Secretariat for Civil Aviation has stated that air travel between Cambodia and Thailand remains unaffected at this time.
As per Thai Airways, their flights between Bangkok and Phnom Penh will remain on schedule, with around 3,000 travelers having pre-booked tickets. Chai Eamsiri, the head of Thai Airways, mentioned during a press briefing on Thursday that the airline has been “closely monitoring the situation” after the conflicts.
“We are maintaining close communication with the Cambodian Embassy and are ready to relocate our personnel if situations worsen,” he stated.
This morning, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) revised its advisory for travelers.
Temporary restrictions are in place for land borders and crossings between Cambodia and Thailand. The international border near the Preah Vihear temple (known as ‘Khaoi Pra Viharn’ in Thai) has been a subject of contention between the two countries, leading to occasional confrontations between Cambodian and Thai military forces. Disputes have also arisen regarding control over the Ta Moan and Ta Krabey temples, which are situated close to the Cambodia-Thailand border. Exercise additional caution when traveling in this region and adhere to the guidance provided by local authorities.
Thailand identifies fraudulent groups targeting international visitors
Last month, the Thai government stated that its border restrictions were not solely a political action but also aimed at addressing illegal activities originating from Cambodia.
ThailandMilitary officials have blamed international fraud operations—using Cambodia as a center—for taking advantage of border weaknesses and digital platforms to deceive victims, including visitors from other countries.
They claim fraudsters lure victims with fake romantic relationships, deceptive investment offers, and unlawful betting scams.
Cambodia, in turn, has refused to use certain Thai online services and has restricted the flow of electricity and fuel from Thailand as a reaction to the territorial conflict.
