Thai-Cambodian tensions rise amid retaliation over checkpoint closures

Thailand closed the Sai Taku border checkpoint with Cambodia in Buri Ram province yesterday, prompting Cambodia to retaliate by ordering the closure of two other border checkpoints, opposite Thailand’s Buri Ram and Si Sa Ket provinces, as tension between the two countries rises.

Lt-Gen Boonsin Padklang, commander of Thailand’s Second Army Region, issued the order for the closure of the checkpoint in Ban Kruat district to take immediate effect, reasoning that closure is necessary for Thailand’s national security and for public safety.

In retaliation, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet ordered the closure of the Banteay Ampil and Oddar Meanchey border crossings, from today and until Thailand reopens the Sai Taku checkpoint.

In his Facebook posts today, Hun Manet ordered the governor of Oddar Meanchey to inform the governors of Buri Ram and Si Sa Ket about the Cambodian government’s decision.

Following a brief clash between Thai and Cambodian forces on May 28, which left one Cambodian soldier dead, Thailand imposed border crossing restrictions at all permanent and temporary border checkpoints with Cambodia and banned Thais from travelling to casinos in Cambodia’s Poipet township.

The border tensions have led Cambodia to stop using electricity and internet connections supplied from Thailand.