Citing heightened security concerns amid an ongoing border dispute, Thailand’s military has shut most border crossings with Cambodia to tourists and traders.
The deterioration in ties was sparked by brief armed clashes in a border area that left one Cambodian soldier dead late last month.
Both governments have since announced measures designed to punish the other, including Cambodia’s recent suspension of all Thai fuel and gas imports.
Border Restrictions With Exemptions
Thailand will now restrict all vehicles, tourists and traders from crossing at all land border checkpoints in seven provinces bordering Cambodia, the military said in a statement issued late on Monday, citing security concerns.
There are exemptions for humanitarian reasons, such as for those needing medical attention, students and other urgent matters at the discretion of security units at checkpoints, the statement said.
The restrictions “matched the current security situation, particularly in addressing the conflict in areas between Thailand and Cambodia that continue to intensify politically, diplomatically and militarily”, the statement said.
Crackdown On Illegal Scam Centres
The military said the measures would also assist in a crackdown on illegal scam centres in Cambodia flagged by Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Monday.
Paetongtarn said Thailand would stop cross-border supplies of essentials, including electricity, to areas where illicit operations were taking place.
The prime minister has been under fire for her handling of the border row, particularly after the leaking of a phone call between her and Hun Sen, Cambodia’s former leader, that appeared to show her denigrating a senior Thai military commander.
11th Largest Export Market
Hun Manet, Cambodia’s prime minister and Hun Sen’s son, said on Sunday his administration would stop all fuel and gas imports from Thailand, following an earlier move to stall the entry of some Thai agricultural produce.
Cambodia was Thailand’s 11th largest export market last year, with $10.4 billion in bilateral trade between the neighbours, dominated by precious stones, jewellery and fuels, according to Thai government data.
More than half a million Cambodian workers are employed in Thailand, according to the Thai Labour Ministry.
(With inputs from Reuters)
