Thousands of Cambodian and Thai citizens are rushing to return home following a joint decision by both countries to close all border crossings as of June 24.
The move came after the Thai military unilaterally announced the closure of its border with Cambodia earlier in the day. In response, Cambodian immigration authorities ordered a complete shutdown of crossings with Thailand.
General Sok Veasna, Director General of Cambodia’s Immigration Department, confirmed the decision, stating that the closure applies to all people and goods. Only Cambodian nationals currently in Thailand are being permitted to return home.
On June 24, Thai military authorities initiated a full border closure, impacting travelers, tourists and especially Thai nationals working or conducting business in Cambodia.
All border gates have been sealed, halting the movement of goods and passengers, with exceptions made only for students and medical patients. Commercial trucks from both sides have been allowed to return to their respective countries, though they are barred from carrying any cargo.
The abrupt closure has triggered congestion at several international checkpoints across seven Cambodian provinces bordering Thailand, with thousands of workers, tourists and patients trying to cross before the final deadline.
At the busy Poipet International Border Gate in Banteay Meanchey province, hundreds of Cambodian traders who had been working in Thailand’s Rong Kluea Market were seen waiting to return home. At the same time, Thai nationals inside Cambodia were preparing to head back across the border.
Authorities from both countries agreed to a temporary window from 5 PM to 8 PM on June 24 for final crossings at the Poipet gate before a total shutdown takes effect.
Other crossings in Banteay Meanchey and Sa Kaeo provinces were permitted to operate for only one hour between 5 PM and 6 PM.
On June 23, ahead of the closure, Cambodian patients receiving medical treatment in Thai provinces including Sisaket and Ubon Ratchathani were also seen returning via the Choam International Border Gate in Oddar Meanchey province.
In response to the closures, Thai PBS World quoted Panitan Wattanayagorn, a Thai expert on security and international affairs, who said the immediate impact will fall on Cambodian workers and businesses. However, he warned that if the shutdown continues, it will eventually hurt Thai commerce even more.
Panitan suggested that Thailand should seek diplomatic channels and engage in talks with Cambodia to resolve the issue, noting that Cambodia is showing unity at a time when Thailand remains politically divided.
