Thai-Cambodia border hours cut amid tensions over disputes
Local economy braces for further disruption
The border crossing at Ban Khlong Luek in Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo province, has seen changes in its opening hours due to ongoing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia.
The adjustments, now in their fifth day, aim to address disputes in the Chong Bok area of Nam Yuen district, Ubon Ratchathani province.
Brigadier General Benchapol Dej-atiwong Na Ayudhya, commander of the Burapha Task Force, implemented the new hours, reducing the crossing times from 6am to 10pm to 8am to 4pm.
As part of these measures, Thai nationals are prohibited from crossing into Poipet for gambling activities. Only those travelling for work or trade are permitted, and military personnel are enforcing strict checks.
Travellers must present employee identification and clear documentation of their workplace; without these, crossing is not allowed under any circumstances.
These restrictions have significantly impacted the ten large casinos in Poipet, a key revenue source for Cambodia’s Hun Sen. Almost 90% of these casinos’ clientele are Thai, and the prohibitions have nearly turned them into deserted venues, reported KhaoSod.
Consequently, many Thai employees are being laid off, with nearly 10,000 returning to Thailand. Since June 7, each morning has seen at least 1,000 Thai casino staff queuing at the Cambodian immigration office for exit stamps before heading to the Aranyaprathet immigration office to process their re-entry into Thailand.
In similar news, Cambodian troops have agreed to pull back from the Thai border in Ubon Ratchathani province after discussions between the two countries’ regional military units.
According to sources, at 10am on June 8, Cambodian forces contacted Thai soldiers stationed at the disputed Chong Bok border point in Nam Yuen district, requesting a meeting with Thailand’s Suranaree Task Force, which oversees the border zones adjacent to Cambodia.
The Suranaree Task Force reported the request to Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang, commander of Thailand’s Second Army Region. Lt. Gen. Boonsin then informed Army Commander-in-Chief General Pana Klaewplodthuk, who approved the negotiation talks
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