Thai embassy seeks clearance as Cambodia blocks Thais from returning home

A major border checkpoint in Sa Kaeo province was crowded today as both Thai and Cambodian nationals attempted to return to their respective home countries, as border clashes intensify.

Thai nationals were stranded at the Poipet-Klong Luk border checkpoint after Cambodian immigration officials refused to allow them to leave Cambodia for reasons which remain unclear.

In response, the Thai side delayed allowing Cambodian nationals, mostly migrant workers, to re-enter Cambodia via the same checkpoint, apparently in response to Cambodia’s refusal to allow Thai citizens to return. As tensions rose, many Cambodians were seen leaving the area.

In the afternoon, the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh issued a letter to Cambodia’s Interior Ministry, requesting permission for a group of Thais to return home through the Poipet checkpoint. The embassy explained that those seeking to return were Thai nationals working in Poipet.