Thailand announces new border restrictions as tensions with Cambodia soar

Thailand’s prime minister announced new land border restrictions yesterday aimed at blocking tourists heading into Cambodia as the two countries engage in retaliatory measures in their border dispute.

Relations between the countries have deteriorated following an armed confrontation May 28 in which one Cambodian soldier was killed in a relatively small, contested territory. While the two sides have agreed to de-escalate their dispute, they continue to implement or threaten measures that have kept tensions high.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said yesterday that Thailand will boost screening at land borders and block departing tourists, saying that only students, medical patients and others who need to purchase essential goods would be allowed to enter or leave Thailand.

Cambodia, for its part, has boycotted some Thai internet services, and blocked electricity and fuel supplies from Thailand in response to the border dispute. Prior to the boycott, Cambodia imported 30% of its gasoline and other fuel from Thailand.

Paetongtarn also said yesterday that Thailand will consider blocking exports that could facilitate scam operations in Cambodia and will coordinate with other countries and international agencies to crack down on cybercrime based in Southeast Asia.