Thailand has ordered a complete shutdown of land border crossings into Cambodia—effectively barring tourists—from its Cambodian frontier starting June 24, 2025. The Thai military, acting on directives from PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has closed checkpoints across seven provinces, citing national security concerns, a deadly skirmish in May, and plans to crack down on cross-border scam operations .
Only essential travelers—students, medical patients, and those with urgent needs—may cross under conditional restrictions. Bangkok has also hinted at curbing exports to Cambodian zones linked to cyber-crime networks.
In retaliation, Phnom Penh has struck back by halting Thai internet services, banning Thai fruit and vegetable imports, and suspending electricity and fuel shipments—previously accounting for nearly 30% of its fuel supply. The move marks a significant escalation in the ongoing diplomatic standoff triggered by a May 28 exchange of fire that claimed a Cambodian soldier’s life.
Why This Matters
- Tourists caught off guard: Plans to visit destinations like Siem Reap or Battambang via land routes are now disrupted.
- Security vs. diplomacy: Thailand frames its move as a defense against crime and escalating violence, while Cambodia calls it an aggressive escalation.
- Growing political tension: Thailand’s PM faces domestic criticism, especially after a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s Hun Sen that stirred political backlash