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Thai military officials said the measures reflect the current security environment and aim to address rising tensions following armed clashes in May that left a Cambodian soldier dead. The situation marks the lowest point in bilateral relations between the two nations in more than a decade.
Rising Conflict Sparks Travel and Trade Sanctions
The border conflict has led to a series of retaliatory actions. In response to the travel restrictions, Cambodia has banned Thai imports, including food, electricity, internet services, and entertainment content such as TV dramas and films. Thai authorities have allowed limited exemptions to the travel ban for humanitarian cases, including medical patients and students, but only with special approval at checkpoints.
The Thai military stated that the restrictions also aim to curb illegal scam operations based in Cambodia. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra reinforced this message, announcing plans to suspend internet services used by Cambodian security groups suspected of supporting scam networks.
Thailand had previously introduced similar measures against Myanmar due to concerns over cross-border scams, which have impacted thousands of people across the region.
Leaked Call Deepens Political Crisis in Thailand
The border dispute has also triggered political fallout in Thailand. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra faced criticism following a leaked phone call in which she addressed Cambodia's former leader Hun Sen as "uncle" and dismissed the authority of a Thai military commander. While she defended her tone as part of diplomatic strategy, critics said the call undermined the military's role and strained internal alliances.
As a result, a key coalition partner of her ruling Pheu Thai party has withdrawn support, further complicating Thailand's political landscape.
The ongoing conflict is rooted in long-standing historical tensions between the two countries, dating back over a century to border arrangements made after Cambodia's period under French control.
