Thailand has closed nearly all of its land border crossings with Cambodia, marking the most severe escalation in tensions between the two neighboring countries in over a decade. The closures come amid a deepening diplomatic row, military confrontations, and rising domestic political fallout in Bangkok.
On June 24, the Thai military shut down crossings in seven key provinces—Ubon Ratchathani, Surin, Buri Ram, Si Sa Ket, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Trat—blocking movement for travelers, traders, and locals. Thailand Shuts Border Crossings as Tensions with Cambodia Escalate Over Military and Diplomatic Dispute**
Thailand has closed nearly all of its land border crossings with Cambodia, marking the most severe escalation in tensions between the two neighboring countries in over a decade. The closures come amid a deepening diplomatic row, military confrontations, and rising domestic political fallout in Bangkok.
On June 24, the Thai military shut down crossings in seven key provinces—Ubon Ratchathani, Surin, Buri Ram, Si Sa Ket, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Trat—blocking movement for travelers, traders, and residents. Only exceptional humanitarian cases, such as medical emergencies or students, are allowed to pass through under military oversight.
The border dispute, which reignited in late May following a deadly exchange of gunfire in the contested Emerald Triangle region, resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier. In response, both nations have launched a series of retaliatory actions that have strained ties and disrupted local economies.
Cambodia has reacted strongly to the Thai closure by suspending fuel and electricity imports from Thailand, banning Thai agricultural products and television soap operas, and shortening visa durations for Thai nationals. Additionally, authorities in Phnom Penh have reportedly restricted internet services linked to Thai media outlets.
Thailand, in turn, has moved to cut the supply of electricity and essential goods to Cambodian regions that Thai authorities suspect of harboring scam networks. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who visited troops along the border on June 23 to display unity, faces mounting political pressure following the leak of a controversial phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen. In the leaked audio, Paetongtarn appeared to seek Hun Sen’s political backing against her domestic opponents, a revelation that has triggered calls for her resignation and risks fracturing the ruling coalition.
The Bhumjaithai Party, a key partner in the coalition government with 69 seats, is reportedly considering withdrawal unless there is a major cabinet reshuffle. The leak has not only embarrassed the government but also emboldened opposition lawmakers to push for parliamentary probes and censure motions.
The roots of the conflict lie in century-old border ambiguities dating back to French colonial-era maps. These disputes have led to repeated skirmishes, most notably around the Preah Vihear Temple area from 2008 to 2011. While the International Court of Justice ruled in Cambodia’s favor in 1962 and again in 2013 over that specific area, newer border sections remain contested. Cambodia has since petitioned the ICJ for resolution, but Thailand has rejected international arbitration in favor of bilateral dialogue.
As tensions continue, ASEAN and international observers are urging both sides to de-escalate and return to diplomatic negotiations. The future of regional stability, economic cooperation, and political leadership in both nations now hinges on whether diplomacy or nationalism gains the upper hand in the coming weeks. Only exceptional humanitarian cases, such as medical emergencies or students, are allowed to pass through under military oversight.
The border dispute, which reignited in late May following a deadly exchange of gunfire in the contested Emerald Triangle region, resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier. In response, both nations have launched a series of retaliatory actions that have strained ties and disrupted local economies.
Cambodia has reacted strongly to the Thai closure by suspending fuel and electricity imports from Thailand, banning Thai agricultural products and television soap operas, and shortening visa durations for Thai nationals. Additionally, authorities in Phnom Penh have reportedly restricted internet services linked to Thai media outlets.
Thailand, in turn, has moved to cut the supply of electricity and essential goods to Cambodian regions that Thai authorities suspect of harboring scam networks. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who visited troops along the border on June 23 to display unity, faces mounting political pressure following the leak of a controversial phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen. In the leaked audio, Paetongtarn appeared to seek Hun Sen’s political backing against her domestic opponents, a revelation that has triggered calls for her resignation and risks fracturing the ruling coalition.
The Bhumjaithai Party, a key partner in the coalition government with 69 seats, is reportedly considering withdrawal unless there is a major cabinet reshuffle. The leak has not only embarrassed the government but also emboldened opposition lawmakers to push for parliamentary probes and censure motions.
The roots of the conflict lie in century-old border ambiguities dating back to French colonial-era maps. These disputes have led to repeated skirmishes, most notably around the Preah Vihear Temple area from 2008 to 2011. While the International Court of Justice ruled in Cambodia’s favor in 1962 and again in 2013 over that specific area, newer border sections remain contested. Cambodia has since petitioned the ICJ for resolution, but Thailand has rejected international arbitration in favor of bilateral dialogue.
As tensions continue, ASEAN and international observers are urging both sides to de-escalate and return to diplomatic negotiations. The future of regional stability, economic cooperation, and political leadership in both nations now hinges on whether diplomacy or nationalism gains the upper hand in the coming weeks.