The Burapa Task Force overseeing the Sa Kaeo border region has implemented temporary measures to facilitate the repatriation of stranded Cambodian nationals and commercial vehicles caught in the ongoing bilateral standoff. The move comes despite Cambodia’s sweeping ban on cross-border cargo transport announced earlier this week.

Thailand Closes Sa Kaeo Border to Cambodian Vehicles Amid Rising Tensions

Task Force commander Maj Gen Benchapol Dechatiwong na Ayutthaya issued two emergency orders Sunday allowing limited border crossings through three checkpoints for seven days. The relaxation applies exclusively to cargo trucks documented with Thai Customs before June 25, with strict daily quotas: 50 vehicles daily through Ban Khao Din and Ban Nong Ian-Stung Bot checkpoints (8am-4pm), and 20 trucks via Bang Nong Prue (8am-noon). All returning Thai trucks must be empty.

Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet has rejected a Thai proposal to temporarily ease border controls, insisting that Cambodia will only reopen its border gates once Thailand fully restores normal operations.

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The orders also extend temporary stay permits for Cambodian workers holding valid border passes (7-day) and work permits (15-day), excluding those whose documents expired before June 23. This humanitarian gesture contrasts with Cambodia’s blanket prohibition on transboundary freight, which army spokesman Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree confirmed remains in effect.

Thailand Seals All Cambodia Border Crossings in Security Crackdown

The partial reopening marks Thailand’s calibrated response to the border crisis precipitated by Cambodia’s April military buildup near disputed territories. While maintaining security closures, Thai authorities are attempting to mitigate economic disruptions for pre-approved commercial operators and migrant workers caught in the diplomatic crossfire. Observers note the measures may ease congestion at border warehouses where perishable Thai exports have been stranded since tensions escalated.

-Thailand News (TN)