The relationship between the neighboring countries has worsened after an armed clash on May 28, during which a Cambodian soldier lost his life in a relatively minor, disputed area along their border.
On Tuesday, the government of Cambodia accused Thailand of heightening border tensions by enforcing new restrictions that have effectively blocked nearly all land crossings, particularly for tourists traveling into Cambodia.
The relationship between the two neighboring countries has worsened following an armed clash on May 28, which resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier in a relatively minor, disputed area along their border. Although both parties have agreed to de-escalate their conflict, they have continued to implement or threaten actions that have maintained high levels of tension.
On Monday, the Thai army enforced stricter regulations at border checkpoints with Cambodia, following an order from Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra that permits only students, medical patients, and individuals with essential needs to enter or exit Thailand. This has rendered it impossible for thousands of tourists to traverse between the two nations.
Pen Bona, a spokesperson for the Cambodian government, stated on Tuesday that Cambodia is committed to resolving the conflict through diplomatic means, but tensions have escalated due to Thailand’s actions.
He remarked, “The Cambodian government has already indicated that we will not initiate any border closure,” adding that Cambodia would also lift restrictions if Thailand were to do so first.
In response to the border dispute, Cambodia has boycotted certain Thai internet services, prohibited the import of Thai fruits and vegetables, and halted the supply of electricity and fuel from Thailand. Before the boycott, Cambodia sourced 30% of its gasoline and other fuels from Thailand.
On Monday, Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet visited troops stationed at the border and a temporary shelter for thousands of civilians who had been evacuated from the region. He expressed that while Cambodia does not desire war, “we cannot stand by and allow ourselves to be mistreated.”
In addition to border restrictions, Paetongtarn has also introduced measures aimed at combating online scam operations in Cambodia. These measures include the prohibition of exports that may facilitate such activities within Cambodia, as well as collaboration with other nations and international organizations to address cybercrime originating from Southeast Asia.
Pen Bona acknowledged that while Cambodia is being exploited by online scammers, many of these operations are also situated in Thailand.
“This is a very shameful situation occurring in Thailand, yet there are attempts to shift the narrative from Thailand to Cambodia,” he stated.
Earlier this year, Thailand enacted measures to combat online scam operations in neighboring Myanmar, cutting off electricity, internet, and gas supplies to border towns where these syndicates were located.
