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Military leader endorses regulations for border control along Thai-Cambodian frontier

Commander of the 2nd Army region issues decree for managing Thai-Cambodian border inspection points; prompt shutdown if skirmishes erupt.

Army commander of the second region signs decree for managing Thai-Cambodian border checkpoints;...
Army commander of the second region signs decree for managing Thai-Cambodian border checkpoints; immediate shutdown to be enforced in case of conflicts.

Military leader endorses regulations for border control along Thai-Cambodian frontier

Cops on the Border: New Order for Thai-Cambodia Checkpoints

The 2nd Army Region's commander, Lt Gen Boonsin Phadklang, dropped a bombshell at 7pm on June 7, 2025, with an official edict empowering the Suranaree Task Force to manage all border checkpoints along the Thai-Cambodian frontier.

This brutal swing comes in compliance with Army Command Order #806/2568, which tightens controls to secure the public. The Suranaree Task Force now holds the reins to manipulate border crossings as they deem fit.

New Powers for the Task ForceWith the new order, the Suranaree Task Force Chief corrals the authority to:

  1. Lockdown or unlock checkpoints within their jurisdiction - this includes controlling the movement of individuals, vehicles, cargo, and military supplies. Commutations may be granted for border trade, economic activities, or emergency humanitarian cases.
  2. Adjust operating hours - especially in reaction to sudden developments like military skirmishes or border tensions.
  3. Close specific crossings at their discretion - for national security reasons, such as deterring hostile actions, protecting civilians from unrest, obstructing illicit cross-border activities, and curbing illegal activities of Thai workers in Cambodia.
  4. Instantly shut down all checkpoints - in the event of armed confrontations or military clashes, with the power to reopen once the chaos subsides.

The operational nitty-gritty for border opening, closure, and time adjustments are laid out in an Appendix that accompanies the edict, taking effect from June 7, 2025, onwards.

A Sneak Peek at the Border CrossingsHere are some crucial details about the various border checkpoints under the new command:

  1. Chong An Ma
  2. Location: Soeng Subdistrict, Nam Yuen District, Ubon Ratchathani
  3. Type: Temporary Border Trade Checkpoint
  4. Operation Days: Thursdays
  5. Hours: 9am-12am
  6. Movement: Limits for local markets with ID card exchange, restricted to essential consumer goods and no vehicle crossings.
  7. Chong Sai Taku
  8. Location: Chanthop Phet Subdistrict, Ban Kruat District, Buriram Province
  9. Type: Temporary Border Trade Checkpoint
  10. Operation Days: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays
  11. Hours: 9am-12am
  12. Movement: Similarly conditional as Chong An Ma, only permitting essential goods and no vehicle crossings.
  13. Chong Sa Ngam
  14. Location: Phrai Phatthana Subdistrict, Phu Sing District, Sisaket Province
  15. Type: Permanent Border Checkpoint
  16. Operation Days: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
  17. Hours: 8am-3pm
  18. Movements: Allowed with passports or border passes. Military goods are strictly monitored, and exports of construction materials like cement are banned. Vehicle crossings permitted. Humanitarian aid must comply with relevant regulations and international norms.
  19. Chong Chom
  20. Location: Dan Subdistrict, Kap Choeng District, Surin Province
  21. Type: Permanent Border Checkpoint
  22. Operation Days: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
  23. Hours: 8am-3pm
  24. Movements: Adherence to passports or border passes required, with military goods restricted by law and no exports of cement allowed. Vehicles are permitted. Humanitarian aid must meet established procedures and follow international standings.

The Edge of the SwordAll border checkpoint operations are at risk of immediate closure in the face of military skirmishes or other security concerns along the border. These aggressive measures are a part of a broader four-stage plan to secure the Thai-Cambodian border.

  1. The increased public safety measures, as outlined in Army Command Order #806/2568, have granted the Suranaree Task Force the authority to manage border checkpoints along the Thai-Cambodian frontier, which could potentially impact international travel.
  2. The new order empowers the Suranaree Task Force to lockdown or unlock checkpoints, adjust operating hours, close specific crossings at their discretion, and instantly shut down all checkpoints if necessary, raising questions about the political implications and potential impact on general news.
  3. The Suranaree Task Force's new powers could influence the economy by regulating border trade, economic activities, and military supply movements, and may also impact business opportunities.
  4. The tightened controls could potentially affect health considerations, as the Suranaree Task Force has the power to restrict the movement of individuals and goods, which could lead to shortages or delays in essential supplies.
  5. The escalating tensions and potential for armed confrontations along the Thai-Cambodian border could have broad implications, not only for the region's general news and public safety but also for international relations, war-and-conflicts, and sporting events if the Olympic Games are scheduled near the border.

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