Escalating Cambodia Thailand border disputes sees crossings closed to tourists
A border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand has seen borders crossings between the two south east Asian nations closed to tourists.
Prompted by an armed confrontation on 28th May in an area of contested territory in which one Cambodian soldier was killed, retaliatory measures between the two nations have seen Thailand and Cambodia shut several border crossings in tit-for-tat moves, raising tensions between the two neighbours.
As of today, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announce new border restrictions aimed at blocking tourists heading across the border to Cambodia.
As reported by the Bangkok Post, the closure of a border crossing in north eastern Buri Ram province was effective from 21st June, apparently ordered by the Thai army as of late Saturday.
Cambodia then retaliated with the shutdown of the same passage as well as another checkpoint, according to Cambodian leader Hun Manet, who criticised the Thai army’s move.
The Thai army said it was its prerogative to restrict border movements to protect the country’s sovereignty for national security reasons.
Cambodia has sought to get the International Court of Justice in The Hague to help settle land disputes in four border areas with Thailand.
Image: The Thailand Cambodia Border at Poi Pet, Thailand 2010. Credit: Shutterstock.
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