Thailand’s army has shut down its borders to Cambodia, barring all travellers, including tourists and traders. The move comes as a result of heightened tensions concerning a long-standing territorial dispute between the two countries. Relations between Bangkok and Phnom Penh have worsened since an armed clash in May, which resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier in a disputed border area.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced that the country will ramp up screening at its land borders and prohibit tourists from leaving the country. According to her, only students, medical patients, and those needing to buy essential goods would be allowed to cross in and out of Thailand. While the Prime Minister suggested these measures were mainly to reduce travel to Cambodia’s “lucrative casinos,” the directive actually bans all tourists.
The Thai military has stated that it has closed the border crossing at every land border between Thailand and Cambodia in five provinces, allowing only people with essential needs to pass. Meanwhile, Cambodia has taken its own measures against Thailand, including boycotting some Thai internet services, such as suspending fruit and vegetable imports and cutting off electricity and fuel supplies that come from Thailand. Before this boycott, Cambodia relied on Thailand for 30% of its gasoline and other fuel imports.
VIDEO: Dozens of tourists and workers, some carrying children, have been left stranded at Thailand's main land crossing with Cambodia, after the army stopped almost all border traffic in an escalating territorial dispute pic.twitter.com/PuDlbNQesX
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) June 24, 2025
Earlier in 2025, Thai authorities introduced rules to crack down on online scams in Myanmar. These actions included cutting off electricity, internet, and gas supplies to the border town where these scams were operating. According to Paetongtarn, similar measures may be implemented to target similar scam operations in Cambodia.
Moreover, an April report by the United Nations identified Cambodia as a central location for online scam operations. They involve workers who lure victims through illicit schemes such as fake romantic overtures, fraudulent investment proposals, and illegal gambling activities.
Currently, Prime Minister Paetongtarn is facing demands for her resignation due to the way she has been managing the problem. She is being criticised for not taking a firm enough stance against former Cambodian leader Hun Sen, who is reportedly an old friend of her father, former populist leader Thaksin Shinawatra.
Thailand vows to tackle scammers in Cambodia
— Thenationthailand (@Thenationth) June 23, 2025
.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Monday ordered a more aggressive crackdown on transnational crime in Cambodia, which she has dubbed a global hub for organised crime following a recent United Nations report.
.
Speaking at a… pic.twitter.com/lFj23j1QBO
A leaked phone call between her and Hun Sen sparked public outrage. In the recording, Paetongtarn can be heard criticising a senior Thai military commander for “just wanting to look tough,” and reassuring Hun Sen, whom she addressed as “uncle,” that she would “take care of” anything he wanted. This conversation angered her family’s long-time adversaries in the military and led one of her government’s coalition partners to withdraw. Paetongtarn later apologised for her remarks, explaining them as a negotiation tactic and urging unity within Thailand.
