Thailand steps up border controls with Cambodia to combat transnational crime: PM

BANGKOK, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced on Monday that Thailand will tighten its border controls with neighboring Cambodia to combat transnational crime.

Speaking after a high-level meeting at the government house, Paetongtarn said restrictions on cross-border travel for both vehicles and individuals will be enforced, including limiting operating hours at checkpoints.

She stated that crossings in seven provinces along the Thai-Cambodian border will be limited to essential travel, such as for students, medical patients, and vital goods.

The prime minister said Thailand will halt exports of goods, particularly fuel and electricity, that support illegal operations across the border and will consider suspending fuel shipments to Cambodia suspected of being used in unlawful activities.

Internet services and submarine internet cables connected to Cambodia's government and military entities will also be suspended, she said.

Following Paetongtarn's announcement, the Thai military unveiled strengthened measures on border crossing with Cambodia, allowing only essential and humanitarian travel.

Thailand's latest measures came amid mounting border tensions with Cambodia. Cambodia said on Sunday it would stop fuel and gas imports from Thailand, while advising its citizens against non-essential travel to Thailand. ■