Cambodian authorities have delayed the reopening of the Poipet international border crossing, following what officials described as a unilateral and premature closure by Thai counterparts.
According to a post from the official Facebook page of the Poipet International Border Police, Cambodian officers refused a direct request from Thai border officials to reopen the gate at 8:00 am. Cambodia maintained its revised schedule, opening the crossing at 9:00 am instead.
The Cambodian side announced the new opening hours, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm daily, effective from June 08, 2025. The change follows Thailand’s decision to unilaterally shut the gate earlier than previously agreed, prompting the Cambodian response.
Local media reports indicate that the delayed opening caused significant traffic congestion on the Thai side of the border, with cargo trucks backed up for several kilometers as they waited for access into Cambodia.
Mr. Touch Sokhak, deputy spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior, told reporters that Cambodia was not following Thailand’s lead in reducing border gate operating hours. He emphasized that Cambodia had simply retained its own policy of opening the gate at 9:00 am.
Before recent tensions emerged at the disputed Mom Bei border area in Preah Vihear province, Cambodian border staff at Poipet used to begin work as early as 6:00 am.
According to the head of the provincial border commission in Banteay Meanchey, Thai nationals working in Cambodia’s Poipet city began crossing back into Thailand shortly before 4:00 pm on June 7. At the same time, many Cambodian vendors operating in Thailand’s bustling Rong Kluea market returned home through the international checkpoint.
Beyond Poipet, other crossings have also been affected. Thailand has reportedly imposed similar hour reductions at the Stung Bot international gate, changing operations from the previous 6:00 am to 10:00 pm schedule to the current 8:00 am to 4:00 pm window. A number of smaller regional and informal crossings have also been closed.
The shift in operations comes amid heightened sensitivities along parts of the Thai-Cambodian border. While both governments have yet to issue a joint statement, the impact is already being felt by thousands of cross-border traders and daily commuters who rely on timely access to support their livelihoods.
