Thailand has introduced travel restrictions for those entering Cambodia amid ongoing tensions over a prolonged border dispute between the two nations. Thailand began enforcing land border restrictions on Monday, including a ban on tourists entering Cambodia, as part of the ongoing conflict between the nations.
On Monday, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared that Thailand would intensify screenings at land borders and restrict outbound travel for tourists. She clarified that only students, individuals seeking medical care, and those needing to buy essential supplies would be permitted to cross the border. While the primary goal of the measure is to curb travel to Cambodia’s casino sector, the restrictions will effectively halt all tourist movement.
Bilateral relations between the two countries plunged to the lowest level in over ten years following a border clash in May that resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier. In response, both sides have taken retaliatory steps. Cambodia has enacted sweeping bans on Thai imports, including agricultural goods, electricity, internet services, and entertainment content such as Thai television shows and movies.
According to a statement by the Thai army, it has enforced the new measures across all land border checkpoints with Cambodia in five provinces, allowing passage only to individuals with essential needs.
In retaliation, Cambodia has taken measures such as discontinuing electricity and fuel imports from Thailand and boycotting certain Thai internet services.
Paetongtarn stated that Thailand is weighing the possibility of halting exports that are being used to support scam networks operating in Cambodia. She added that the country will also work closely with international partners and regional organizations to intensify efforts against cybercrime rooted in Southeast Asia.
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