Tourists affected as Thailand closes border with Cambodia

Thailand has stopped travellers from entering Cambodia through both land and air routes, as a growing dispute along the border continues to cause friction between the two countries.

The travel restriction affects both Thai nationals and foreign visitors trying to cross into Cambodia via checkpoints in various provinces. It also includes international tourists planning to fly from Thailand into the Cambodian city of Siem Reap.

The Thai military released a statement on Monday explaining that the new measure reflects the country’s current security concerns.

Tensions have been steadily rising since deadly clashes took place in May, leading to the death of a Cambodian soldier. Relations between Thailand and Cambodia have reached their lowest point in over ten years.

In response to the conflict, both governments have put harsh restrictions on each other. Cambodia blocked the import of Thai goods including fresh produce, electricity, internet access, and entertainment like television shows and movies.

Thailand’s authorities said that some people may still be allowed to cross the border in special cases. These include medical patients and students, but only if border officials approve their requests.

The military also said the travel restrictions would help crack down on illegal scam operations in Cambodia, which have become a growing concern.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Monday announced stronger actions to fight these criminal groups. One of the steps she outlined was cutting off internet services used by Cambodian security forces.

She also stated that international travellers would no longer be allowed to fly from Thailand to Siem Reap.

Thailand had earlier taken similar steps against Myanmar due to scam operations there, which have trapped thousands of foreigners.

This ongoing clash has caused major political problems for the Thai government. It deepened after a private phone conversation between Paetongtarn and Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen was leaked.

In the call, she referred to him as “uncle” and said he should ignore a Thai military official who “just wanted to look cool”.

Paetongtarn later said her tone was part of her negotiation style. But the backlash was swift, with critics saying her approach made the military look weak. One of her party’s key allies in the ruling coalition has since withdrawn support.

The roots of this border conflict trace back over a hundred years, when the boundary was drawn during the time Cambodia was under French rule.

As the dispute continues, the impact is spreading beyond politics, now affecting travellers, trade, and the region’s fragile stability.