The Thai military has ordered the sealing of its border with Cambodia by suspending all crossings for people and vehicles at 16 border checkpoints, citing threats to national sovereignty posed by Cambodian troops and a surge in cross-border criminal activities, including call center and hybrid scams.


The orders were issued on Monday by three military commands responsible for border security along Thai-Cambodian border: the First and Second Army Regions, and the Chanthaburi-Trat Border Defense Command under the Royal Thai Navy.


These units oversee six permanent checkpoints and ten temporary crossings in Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, Trat, Si Sa Ket, Surin Buri Ram and Ubon Ratchathani.


The move is expected to escalate already tense relations with Cambodia, which began with the May 28 clash at a disputed site near the Chong Bok Pass in Ubon Ratchathani.


Effective immediately, all vehicle crossings, cross-border travel by civilians and tourists (both Thai and foreign), and all forms of trade and commercial activity are suspended at all checkpoints.


Exceptions may be made for humanitarian reasons, such as emergency medical treatment or patient transfers, educational needs of students, and other essential daily necessities.


The First Army Region issued its formal order signed by its commander, Lt Gen Amnat Boonsuya.


The order cited recent developments involving Cambodian troops encroaching on Thai territory through patrols, fortification of positions, terrain modification, and bringing civilians to stage symbolic protests within the Second Army Region's jurisdiction.


These actions have affected the safety of residents along the border and have significantly increased tensions.


The situation has also been worsened by a rise in transnational crimes—including call center scams and hybrid fraud operations that pose threats to both national and regional public safety and property.


The Second Army Region’s order referenced similar concerns, highlighting Cambodian troop movements near the Ta Muen and Ta Kwai temple areas, ongoing symbolic demonstrations by civilians, and escalating cross-border criminal activities.


Similar measures have been implemented at checkpoints under the jurisdiction of the Chanthaburi-Trat Border Defense Command in Chanthaburi and Trat provinces.

Thai military seals border with Cambodia over sovereignty breaches, scam concerns