SA KAEO — The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) suspended all train operations between Aranyaprathet and the Ban Khlong Luek border station on Saturday, citing escalating military clashes along the Cambodian frontier, the Bangkok Post reported. The abrupt halt in service comes as Thai forces repelled Cambodian troops from four contested border areas in Sa Kaeo province.

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Rail Suspension Amid Security Concerns

In a Facebook announcement at 3:25 p.m., the SRT confirmed the indefinite suspension of eastern line services to the border, apologizing for disruptions to passenger and freight transport. Authorities emphasized the measure was precautionary, with rail officials monitoring the situation for potential restoration of service.

The suspension follows the First Army Region’s report that Thai troops successfully countered Cambodian forces encroaching on Thai territory at two locations in Ta Phraya district and two in Khok Sung. Military sources described the engagements as intense but contained, with no immediate reports of Thai casualties.

SA KAEO – Railway service between Aranyaprathet and the Ban Khlong Luek border station on the eastern line has been suspended due to border tensions until further notice, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) announced on Saturday.

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Mass Evacuations as Border Crossings Shut

Over 4,000 residents from high-risk areas in Sa Kaeo have been relocated to 19 temporary shelters, while authorities enforced a complete closure of all border checkpoints. The evacuations and transport disruptions mark the gravest escalation since hostilities erupted last week, with artillery exchanges now threatening critical infrastructure.

Defense analysts note the rail suspension strategically isolates the conflict zone, where Cambodian forces had recently deployed long-range missile systems. “This isn’t just about passenger safety—it’s about denying logistical avenues if clashes worsen,” said Chulalongkorn University security expert Dr. Panitan Wattanayagorn.

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Military on High Alert

Thai army units remain deployed along the contested border, with reinforcements dispatched to key flashpoints. The SRT pledged to provide real-time updates, but with diplomatic channels frozen and no ceasefire in sight, regional observers fear prolonged disruptions to trade and transit.

-Thailand News (TN)