Thai Embassies Worldwide Provide Border Updates to Counter Misinformation

Thai nationals remain stranded in Cambodia following what Thai officials have described as a breach of international law by Cambodian authorities who have suspended overland travel for foreign nationals.

At a press briefing held Sunday at the Royal Thai Army Television station, Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesperson Maratee Nalita Andamo provided updates on the ongoing situation at the Thailand-Cambodia border, specifically addressing the plight of Thai citizens unable to return home.

According to Andamo, an unspecified number of Thai nationals wishing to reenter Thailand are currently held up in Poipet, a Cambodian border town that serves as a major crossing point between the two Southeast Asian nations. The impasse comes after Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen reportedly called for the suspension of overland travel for all foreign nationals, including Thais.

“This represents a clear breach of international law,” Andamo stated during the briefing at the Joint Press Centre established to monitor the situation.

The border restrictions mark a significant escalation in tensions between the neighboring countries, whose relations have historically fluctuated between cooperation and conflict. The border between Thailand and Cambodia stretches approximately 817 kilometers, with several official crossing points facilitating trade, tourism, and the movement of migrant workers.

Poipet, located in Cambodia’s Banteay Meanchey Province, directly across from Thailand’s Sa Kaeo Province, is particularly significant as it handles substantial cross-border traffic. The city hosts several casinos and is a popular destination for Thai gamblers, as gambling is illegal in Thailand.

The current situation could have substantial economic implications for both nations. Thailand and Cambodia conduct approximately $11 billion in bilateral trade annually, with many businesses in border regions dependent on the free flow of people and goods.

The restriction also impacts the tourism sector, which has been rebuilding after the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, millions of tourists crossed this border annually, contributing significantly to both economies.

For stranded Thai nationals, the situation creates immediate humanitarian concerns regarding access to accommodation, food, and healthcare. Many travelers crossing at these land borders are not high-budget tourists but rather workers, small traders, and people visiting family members.

The Thai Foreign Ministry did not specify exactly how many Thai citizens are currently stranded or what immediate measures are being taken to secure their return. However, in similar past situations, Thai authorities have typically engaged in diplomatic negotiations while arranging alternative transportation options when possible.

Hun Sen, who served as Cambodia’s prime minister for 38 years until stepping down in August 2023 to allow his son Hun Manet to take over, remains highly influential as president of the Senate. His reported directive suggests continuing high-level involvement in key government decisions despite his formal change of position.

This development comes amid broader geopolitical shifts in Southeast Asia, with Cambodia often positioned between competing influences from China, the United States, and regional powers like Thailand and Vietnam. Border disputes and migration issues have frequently complicated Thailand-Cambodia relations, though both countries are members of ASEAN and have frameworks for resolving bilateral issues.

The Thai Foreign Ministry continues to monitor the situation closely, as restrictions on cross-border movement not only affect individuals but could potentially impact broader diplomatic and economic ties between the neighboring kingdoms if not resolved promptly.

Thai officials have not yet announced what diplomatic channels they are pursuing to address the crisis or when they expect the situation to be resolved.