Press Conference

on Developments on the Thailand-Cambodia Border Situation

Sunday, 8 June 2025

MFA Press Conference Room and via MFA Facebook LIVE / TIKTOK LIVE

1. Good afternoon to media colleagues, and those watching on your screen online. I will provide updates for today, Sunday 8 June 2025, on the latest developments on the Thailand – Cambodia border situation.

2. As I informed yesterday, the meeting of the National Security Council authorised the First Army Area, Second Army Area, and Chanthaburi and Trat Border Defense Command to issue orders on measures to control the movement at all checkpoints along the Thailand – Cambodia border within their respective areas of responsibility. Yesterday, the consequent orders have been issued to cover all areas along the border. At present, the situation along the border remains calm and orderly.

3. As clarified by the Army, I wish to confirm that these are NOT immediate closure orders for all border checkpoints. Rather, they are procedures which are gradual, and appropriate to the circumstances in specific areas. They can be categorised in 4 steps, as follows:

Step 1 – Limits on crossings, except for those with necessity, such as traders, transportation of goods, labour, and other essential work, while stepping up inspections of individuals at risk of being involved in illegal activities;

Step 2 – Reduction of the time periods for crossings, with clearly stated days and hours for entry and exit;

Step 3 – Selective closure of certain checkpoints; and finally

Step 4 – Should the situation escalate to crisis-level – all checkpoints along the border may be closed, to allow for the highest levels of control.

5.With regard to border checkpoints along the Thailand – Cambodia border, I ask that the local community in the area follow the information closely on opening and closing times, required documents and any relevant restrictions at this time, where each checkpoint will have different measures in place.

• The First Army Area, by the Burapha Command, is responsible for measures applicable to International Border Checkpoints and Checkpoints for Border Trade in Sa Kaeo Province
• The Second Army Area, by the Suranaree Command, is responsible for measures applicable to International Border Checkpoints and Checkpoints for Border Trade in Ubon Ratchathani, Buri Ram, Si Saket and Surin Provinces.
• The Royal Thai Navy, by the Chanthaburi and Trat Border Defense Command, is responsible for measures applicable to International Border Checkpoints and Checkpoints for Border Trade in Chanthaburi and Trat Provinces.

5. The Royal Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh has compiled the list of border checkpoints of all categories for which opening and closing hours have been adjusted, as well as various conditions and requirements. I would like to point out, as one example, that the Aranyaprathet – Poi Pet International Border Checkpoint, Sa Kaeo Province, remains open during 08.00 – 16.00 hrs., and restrictions apply only to Thais departing for tourism and gambling purposes. For vehicles, while 6-wheeled trucks or greater are restricted from passing through, they are still able to use the Thailand – Cambodia Friendship Bridge International Border Checkpoint as normal. Therefore, please check the information relevant to each checkpoint, for your convenience. Please check the website of our Embassy in Phnom Penh (at https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AXewS5n8u/) and other official sources for more detailed information.

6. I have received queries on whether this constitutes a unilateral action by Thailand. I would like to stress that the measures concerning border checkpoints announced by the Thai authorities are aimed at maintaining peace and order in the area, and the safety of people on both sides. At the same time, we are also mindful of economic, border trade, livelihood and humanitarian factors, and we are doing our utmost to ensure these measures do not affect Thais and Cambodians alike. I also want to reiterate that this is not the closure of all checkpoints, and we will take into account the specific needs of each area. Time limits are in place so that we can provide appropriate security for the people, and each one of these measures are based on the nature of use of each checkpoint. Please note also that regular and necessary crossings for trading, education, medical services et cetera, can still occur as usual.    

7. As the Thai side has underlined all along and at all levels, the Thai side continues to comply with, and is using all existing bilateral mechanisms, especially the meeting of the Thailand - Cambodia Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) scheduled for 14 June 2025. The Thai side continues to adhere the MOU on the Survey and Demarcation of the Land Boundary of 2000, which is a legal document setting out the rules that both parties have already mutually agreed upon, and must, therefore, adhere to.

8. The Royal Thai Government reaffirms its confidence in using the bilateral mechanisms that Thailand and Cambodia have in place, such as the upcoming JBC. Mechanisms like this will have an important role to play in reducing tensions in such a fragile situation, and to find a peaceful solution based on mutual respect and good faith, in order to return the Thailand - Cambodia border to normal, peace, and safety. To this end, the Thai side once again calls on the Cambodian side to reduce the level of tension along the border, and to use bilateral mechanisms to the fullest extent, to prevent the situation from escalating any further.

9. Thank you.

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