Thailand has announced a sweeping ban on travellers crossing into Cambodia, including foreign tourists, as tensions between the two Southeast Asian neighbours intensify over a simmering border dispute. The Thai military, in a statement issued on Monday, said the new measures “matched the current security situation” and were necessary to maintain order along the contested frontier.
The restrictions apply to all individuals and vehicles attempting to cross from multiple Thai provinces into Cambodia. In addition, foreign tourists flying from Thailand to Cambodia’s popular tourist hub, Siem Reap, will also be barred from travel. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra confirmed the crackdown during a press briefing, stating that it also aimed to curb transnational scam operations allegedly operating from Cambodian territory.
Relations between Thailand and Cambodia have sharply deteriorated since deadly clashes erupted in May, leaving one Cambodian soldier dead. The skirmish marked the most serious flare-up in bilateral tensions in over a decade. In retaliation, Cambodia imposed bans on Thai imports, including agricultural products, electricity, internet services, and cultural exports like Thai films and dramas.
While humanitarian exemptions will be considered—such as for medical patients and students—these will be granted at the discretion of border officials, the Thai military said.
The dispute has spilled over into domestic politics in Thailand. Prime Minister Paetongtarn is under fire following a leaked phone conversation with Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen. In the recording, she affectionately referred to Hun Sen as “uncle” and dismissed a Thai military commander’s concerns. Though she defended her comments as part of a diplomatic strategy, critics argue she undermined the Thai military’s authority. The controversy has already led to the withdrawal of a key coalition partner from her ruling Pheu Thai alliance.
The longstanding border tensions trace back to colonial-era disputes, particularly stemming from the demarcation of boundaries after France’s occupation of Cambodia. With nationalism on the rise and trust between the two governments at a low, regional stability in Southeast Asia may be at risk if the situation continues to escalate.
