Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Monday introduced new land border restrictions aimed at stopping tourists from traveling into Cambodia, as tensions between the two Southeast Asian neighbors escalate following a deadly border clash.
Relations have soured since a May 28 armed confrontation in a disputed area resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier. Although both countries have agreed to ease tensions, they continue to engage in retaliatory actions that keep the situation volatile.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn stated that the tightened border controls are intended to prevent tourists—particularly those visiting Cambodian casinos—from crossing. Only those with essential needs, such as medical patients, students, and individuals purchasing necessary goods, will be allowed to cross the border.
Thailand’s military confirmed on Monday that it had fully enforced these measures across all land border checkpoints in five provinces adjacent to Cambodia. Tourists and other non-essential travelers are being turned away.
In response to the border tensions, Cambodia has taken retaliatory steps, including blocking Thai electricity and fuel exports and boycotting certain Thai internet services. Before these measures, Cambodia sourced about 30% of its fuel from Thailand.
Paetongtarn also announced plans to consider banning exports of goods that could assist scam operations operating from Cambodian territory. She emphasized coordination with international partners and agencies to curb the growing cybercrime networks based in Southeast Asia.
Earlier this year, Thailand had adopted similar measures against scam hubs in Myanmar, cutting off supplies of electricity, internet, and gas to towns linked to online fraud operations.
An April United Nations report highlighted Cambodia as a center for such scams, many of which involve deceptive online schemes including fake romance scams, investment fraud, and illegal gambling.
Paetongtarn has come under political fire, especially from conservative nationalists critical of her handling of Cambodia. The criticism intensified after a leaked phone conversation between her and Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, the former prime minister, surfaced last week. In the call, she appeared to use conciliatory language, referring to a Thai military commander in the disputed area as “an opponent”—a remark that sparked outrage.
Nationalist groups have since called for her resignation, accusing her of showing weakness and favoring ties with Hun Sen, a longtime ally of her father, ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. A protest rally demanding her resignation is expected later this week.
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