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
- 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.
- 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).