Thailand has shortened the operating hours at ten of its border checkpoints with Cambodia. The decision follows a recent clash that left a Cambodian soldier dead.
Officials said both countries have increased their military presence near disputed border areas. The confrontation occurred on 28 May in a section where the boundary remains undefined.
Key crossings now operating on reduced hours
Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura confirmed the change on Sunday. Major crossings, such as Aranyaprathet-Poipet in Sa Kaeo province, will now operate from 8am to 4pm. Previously, they were open from 6am to 10pm.
Thailand currently runs 17 official border checkpoints with Cambodia. These crossings span seven provinces and cover an 817-kilometre frontier.
Nikorndej clarified that the authorities have not ordered complete closures. “We’re adjusting opening hours based on conditions in each location,” he said. He also noted that the overall situation along the border remains calm.
Locals near Aranyaprathet said life continues as usual. “It was unexpected, but shops stayed open and people still crossed the border,” said Rong, a staff member at Manue Home Stay.
Cambodia seeks International Court’s involvement
Cambodia has asked for the border dispute to go before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). In a letter dated 6 June, Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn said bilateral talks alone may no longer resolve the matter.
He argued that the dispute’s complexity and historical context require legal intervention. “A court ruling would ensure a fair and lasting outcome,” he said.
Thailand disagrees. Officials stated that they do not recognise the ICJ’s authority in this case. Instead, Thailand has proposed resolving all border issues through direct talks. Discussions are set for 14 June.
A longstanding dispute with historic roots
Thailand and Cambodia have argued over sections of their shared border for over a century. France mapped the boundary in 1907 during its colonial rule over Cambodia, but parts remain undefined.
Tensions peaked in 2008 over a centuries-old Hindu temple. Clashes over the years led to multiple deaths, including during a week-long artillery exchange in 2011.
Despite past conflict, the countries have maintained generally friendly ties. Former Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra had a close relationship with Cambodia’s Hun Sen. Today, their children — Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Hun Manet — lead the two governments.
