Thailand Bans Tourists from Entering Cambodia Amid Escalating Border Dispute

Thailand has banned all tourists and travelers from crossing into Cambodia as tensions between the two countries escalate over a worsening border dispute.

The sweeping restrictions apply to individuals and vehicles attempting to cross through border checkpoints in multiple Thai provinces, as well as foreign tourists flying from Thailand into Cambodia’s popular resort town of Siem Reap.

Thailand’s military announced the measures on Monday, stating they reflect “the current security situation.” Relations between the two Southeast Asian neighbors have deteriorated to their lowest point in over a decade, following deadly armed clashes in May that resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier.

In retaliation, Cambodia has banned imports from Thailand, including agricultural produce, electricity, internet services, and Thai entertainment content such as films and dramas.

While Thailand’s latest travel ban is firm, authorities noted that exemptions may be granted on humanitarian grounds, including for students and medical patients, subject to approval at checkpoints.

The Thai military said the restrictions are also aimed at curbing illegal scam operations based in Cambodia. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, speaking on Monday, pledged to intensify efforts against such networks, which have lured thousands of victims. She revealed plans to suspend internet services used by Cambodian authorities to aid the crackdown.

Thailand has implemented similar measures against Myanmar in the past, citing concerns over cross-border criminal syndicates.

The ongoing diplomatic row has triggered a political storm within Thailand. A leaked phone call between Prime Minister Paetongtarn and Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen sparked controversy after she was heard addressing him warmly as “uncle” and dismissing a Thai military commander’s concerns. Critics accused her of undermining the authority of Thailand’s powerful military.

The dispute has also fractured the ruling coalition, with one key political ally of Paetongtarn’s Pheu Thai party pulling out of the alliance.

Tensions over the Thai-Cambodian border have deep historical roots, dating back to colonial-era boundary demarcations after France’s occupation of Cambodia.