Skip to content

Reduced operating hours at Thailand-Cambodia border, restricting certain border crossers

Thailand curtails checkpoint operating hours at Cambodia border, enforces restrictions on certain individuals and vehicles.

Thailand reduces operational hours of border checkpoints with Cambodia, institutes prohibition on...
Thailand reduces operational hours of border checkpoints with Cambodia, institutes prohibition on crossings for certain individuals and vehicles.

Reduced operating hours at Thailand-Cambodia border, restricting certain border crossers

Thailand's toughening up at the Cambodia border isn't just for show—it's a response to escalating tensions and border disputes between the two countries. here's the lowdown:

Battleground Border

  • Clamping Down on Crossings: Permanent border crossings in provinces like Chanthaburi and Trat now operate from 8 am to 4 pm. However, Cambodian students studying in Thailand but residing in Cambodia can cross between 6 am and 5 pm[2].
  • Vehicle Limitations: There are specific vehicle restrictions and activity curbs across various Thai provinces, including Chanthaburi, Trat, Sa Kaeo, Burirum, Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket, and Surin[2].

Sizzling Spat

  • Heated Tensions: The border restrictions came after temperatures rose, with reports of Cambodian military encroachments into Thai territory. Despite some de-escalation posturing, the situation remains hot-headed[3][4].
  • The Cambodian Stance: Despite Thailand's request for Cambodia to withdraw troops to pre-clash positions, Cambodia refused, leading to the strict border measures[3].
  • Eyeing the International Court: Cambodia had prepared for an International Court of Justice (ICJ) case, ramping up the tension[1].
  • Positive Developments: Both countries have agreed to joint border surveys and repositioning of troops, seen as a peacemaking effort. The forthcoming Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting seeks to find solutions through bilateral negotiation[4].

The Long Haul

  • Historical Issues: The border squabbles have been lingering, with age-old disagreements over territorial sovereignty and boundary demarcation[3].
  • Inciting Incidents: The situation heated up when Cambodian civilians and armed personnel went beyond the border[3].
  • Military response: The escalation led to enhanced military presence and border control[3].

[1] Cambodia plans to take Thailand to the International Court of Justice, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/asialife/2021/04/12/cambodia-plans-take-thailand-international-court-justice/[2] Thailand closes some border crossings with Cambodia, restricts others, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thailand-closes-some-border-crossings-cambodia-restricts-others-2021-04-26/[3] Cambodia-Thailand border tensions escalate amid troop buildup, http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/6/6/cambodia-thailand-border-tensions-escalate-amid-troop-buildup[4] Thai, Cambodian leaders agree to joint border surveys, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/17/thai-cambodian-leaders-agree-to-joint-border-surveys-to-ease-tensions[5] Timeline of Cambodia-Thailand border disputes, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/4/28/timeline-of-cambodia-thailand-border-disputes

  1. The escalating tensions and border disputes between Thailand and Cambodia are deeply rooted in politics and general news, as they stem from long-standing disagreements over territorial sovereignty and boundary demarcation.
  2. The current war-and-conflicts situation between the two countries has led to an increase in border restrictions, vehicle limitations, and military response, causing a sizzling spat that might eventually require international intervention, such as a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Read also:

Latest