Bangkok – July 1, 2025 – Thailand has rolled back border pass privileges for Cambodian workers and restricted Thai nationals from crossing into Cambodia’s Poipet, escalating tensions after Cambodia refused to allow stranded Thai cargo trucks to return home through three key checkpoints in Sa Kaeo province.

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The new order, issued Sunday by Maj-Gen Benjaphol Dechartivong Na Ayudhya of the Burapha Task Force, marks a sharp reversal of earlier leniencies. Cambodians holding seven-day border passes, who were previously permitted to work in Thailand for 15-day stretches under a bilateral agreement, must now adhere to the original permit terms unless their authorization expired on or after June 23. Meanwhile, Thais are barred from entering Poipet—a notorious hub for gambling and scam operations.

Thousands of tourists are stranded as the Thailand-Cambodia border shuts down amid diplomatic tensions. Angkor Wat access via land disrupted. 🇹🇭🇰🇭 #Thailand #Cambodia #AngkorWat #BorderCrisis #TravelNews https://t.co/7gr38b1ac6

— The Asian Affairs (@AsianAffairs11) June 30, 2025

The move comes in direct response to Cambodia’s refusal to reopen the Ban Nong Ian, Ban Khao Din, and Bang Nong Prue checkpoints opposite Sa Kaeo, where Thai trucks have been stranded for a week. Last week, Thailand had temporarily eased restrictions to facilitate the return of its vehicles and permit limited cross-border transport for humanitarian purposes, but Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet rejected the proposal.

Thailand Eases Border Restrictions for Stranded Vehicles and Workers Amid Tensions with Cambodia

The dispute underscores deteriorating coordination between the neighboring nations, with Thailand’s latest restrictions likely to disrupt labor flows and trade. Authorities have not specified how long the measures will remain in place, stating only that further updates will follow. Observers warn the impasse could strain economic ties, particularly in border communities reliant on cross-border commerce.

-Thailand News (TN)