Thailand is keeping all official land crossings along the Cambodian frontier closed under a reinforced security directive, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced. Speaking on the television programme Talk with PM Anutin,
Anutin stated that bilateral relations will not normalise and checkpoints will remain shut until outstanding boundary disputes, transnational scam operations, and cross-border criminal networks are fully resolved, Khmer Times reported.
Prime Minister Anutin Confirms Indefinite Border Closure Over Security Concerns
The system-driven border management policy leaves multiple official checkpoints closed along mainland Southeast Asia’s economically active frontier. Anutin emphasized that national interests and security take strict precedence, noting that economic indicators have improved since the restrictions began and public sentiment supports keeping the crossings shut. reported that the Thai prime minister stated he still does not know when the border will reopen, adding that Thailand will not restore previous relations until it gets what it deserves.
The ongoing closures severely disrupt small-scale traders, logistics operators, and daily cross-border commuters in Thai provinces such as Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Trat. According to Thai Times, supply chains are forced to reroute through longer inland logistics channels, increasing transport costs and reducing efficiency for businesses that rely on the steady movement of goods, labor, and tourism.
Phnom Penh Reasserts Sovereignty and Rejects Territorial Compromise
Cambodian officials responded by reiterating a steadfast commitment to defending national sovereignty through peaceful dialogue and international law. Minister of Information Neth Pheaktra stated that Cambodia will not exchange territory for peace and will continue to protest violations of its territorial integrity. Speaking during a provincial review meeting, Pheaktra outlined that the government continues to use four distinct approaches—military, diplomatic, legal, and information measures—to protect its national interests.
The diplomatic stance follows recent bilateral milestones, marking the first anniversary of the Cambodia–Thailand Joint Declaration signed in Kuala Lumpur on October 26, 2025. Government spokesman Pen Bona reaffirmed Prime Minister Hun Manet’s respect for the spirit of that declaration and peaceful border demarcation. Military officials from both nations subsequently held an informal meeting in Oddar Meanchey on October 28 to discuss implementing a subsequent December 27, 2025 joint statement, operational coordination, and rebuilding mutual trust.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Border Restrictions
Which official checkpoints are affected by the closure?
All official Thai-Cambodian land crossings remain closed under Thailand’s reinforced security directives, affecting major trade hubs and transit points in provinces like Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Trat.
What specific demands has Thailand made before reopening?
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that Thailand requires resolutions on unresolved boundary issues, citizen safety, illegal imports, transnational online scam operations, and criminal networks using the border areas.
How is Cambodia responding to the prolonged shutdown?
Cambodia maintains its commitment to peaceful dialogue through established bilateral mechanisms like the Regional Border Committee, General Border Committee, and Joint Boundary Commission, while refusing any compromise on its sovereignty.
When did military officials last meet to discuss the situation?
Cambodian and Thai military officials held an informal meeting in Oddar Meanchey on October 28 to discuss operational coordination, trust-building, and the implementation of their December 27, 2025 joint statement.
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