By Bjørn Christian Tørrissen -Wikipedia
Thailand has announced sweeping restrictions on all travellers bound for Cambodia, as tensions continue to escalate between the neighbouring countries over a worsening border dispute.
The newly imposed ban applies to both individuals and vehicles attempting to cross into Cambodia via checkpoints in several Thai provinces. It also extends to foreign tourists planning to fly into Cambodia’s popular tourist hub, Siem Reap.
The Thai military released a statement on Monday explaining that the restrictions were in line with the “current security situation”. The move reflects a significant deterioration in bilateral ties, which are now at their lowest point in over a decade. This follows deadly armed clashes along the contentious border in May, which left one Cambodian soldier dead. In the aftermath, both governments have implemented retaliatory measures, further straining diplomatic relations.
In response to Thailand’s actions, Cambodia has enforced its own bans, blocking imports from Thailand including agricultural goods like fruits and vegetables, as well as electricity, internet services, and even Thai television dramas and films.
Thai authorities noted that exemptions to the travel ban could be made on humanitarian grounds—such as for students or individuals requiring urgent medical treatment—subject to approval from checkpoint officials.
Officials also stated that the new travel restrictions are part of efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal scam syndicates operating out of Cambodia. These criminal operations have increasingly become a concern for Thai authorities.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Monday pledged to intensify efforts to dismantle scam networks operating across the border. Proposed actions include suspending internet services used by Cambodian security forces and banning foreign travellers from flying from Thailand into Siem Reap.
Thailand has implemented similar restrictions in the past against Myanmar, which has also been a known base for fraudulent operations entrapping thousands of foreign nationals.
The escalating dispute has triggered a political crisis for Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s administration, exacerbated by the leak of a controversial phone conversation between her and Cambodia’s former long-time leader, Hun Sen. In the call, Paetongtarn was heard referring to Hun Sen as “uncle” and urging him to disregard a Thai military commander whom she claimed “just wanted to look cool”.
Although Paetongtarn defended her remarks as a form of diplomatic strategy, critics have accused her of undermining Thailand’s military establishment, a deeply entrenched political force. The controversy has already led to the departure of a key coalition partner from her ruling Pheu Thai party.
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have deep historical roots, stretching back over a century to the colonial-era border demarcations made following France’s occupation of Cambodia.
