Thai military orders decisive closure of all border checkpoints in response to Cambodian sovereignty encroachment

BANGKOK, Thailand – The military has ordered the closure of border checkpoints along the Thailand-Cambodia border in Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, Trat, Sisaket, Surin, and Buriram provinces following reports of Cambodian territorial incursions, including patrols and terrain modifications. Vehicles, people, and tourists are prohibited from crossing, with exceptions granted only for humanitarian purposes such as urgent medical care, patient transfers, and student education.

On June 23, 2025, at 7:10 PM, the First Army Region issued an order regarding control over all types of border crossing points, signed by Lieutenant General Amarit Boonsuya, Commander of the First Army Region.



The order states that recent news shows Cambodian troops encroaching on Thai territory by patrolling, fortifying, and modifying the landscape, as well as bringing civilians to demonstrate symbolically. These actions, originating from the Second Army Region’s jurisdiction, have negatively affected the safety of Thai border residents and heightened tensions.

This situation risks affecting Thai citizens who regularly cross the border within the First Army Region’s area and has also contributed to transnational crime, including call center scams and hybrid frauds, which harm the lives and property of citizens both locally and regionally.

The First Army Region, responsible for the Thai-Cambodian border in Sa Kaeo province, has considered national security and public safety interests and thus implemented the following measures along the border:

1. Suspension of all types of vehicle crossings.
2. Suspension of all pedestrian crossings, including tourists, Thai nationals, foreigners, and trade activities.
3. Humanitarian exceptions may be made as appropriate and necessary, including urgent medical treatment, emergency patient transfers, and education-related travel for students, as well as other essential daily life activities.

These measures are effective immediately.

Meanwhile, the Second Army Region issued Special Order No. 177/2568 concerning enhanced border control measures at permanent border checkpoints Chong Chom (Surin), Chong Sangam (Sisaket), and the Chong Sa Ta Ku trade relaxation point (Buriram). The order notes reports of Cambodian military incursions, fortifications, landscape modifications, and symbolic civilian demonstrations at the Ta Muan and Ta Kwai temples. It also highlights transnational call center and hybrid scam criminal activities.

In response, the Second Army Region revoked its previous Special Order No. 136/2568 (dated June 21, 2025), which had approved the closure of the Chong Sa Ta Ku trade relaxation point, and instead imposed the following:

1. Prohibition of all vehicle crossings.
2. Prohibition of all pedestrian crossings, including trade, Thai nationals, foreigners, and tourists.
3. Humanitarian exceptions as appropriate, including urgent medical treatment, emergency patient transfers, student education in the area, and essential household goods purchases like vegetables and consumer products.

Similarly, the Chanthaburi and Trat Border Defense Command issued Special Order No. 1092/2568 to upgrade control at permanent border checkpoints Ban Laem, Ban Phak Kat, Ban Hat Lek, and trade relaxation points Ban Subtari, Ban Suan Som, and Ban Mamuang in Chanthaburi and Trat provinces.

Accordingly, in line with the National Security Council meeting and Navy orders, marine infantry task forces in Chanthaburi and Trat will oversee and control border crossings for tourists, operators, and workers at all permanent and trade checkpoints in these provinces as follows:

1. Prohibition of all pedestrian crossings, trade, tourists, Thai nationals, and foreigners.
2. Prohibition of all vehicle crossings.
3. Humanitarian exceptions as appropriate, including urgent medical care, emergency patient transfers, education for local students, and essential purchases of vegetables and household goods.