Thousands Stranded After Sudden Thailand-Cambodia Border Closure

The Ban Khlong Luek checkpoint, one of the most active on the Thailand-Cambodia border located in the Aranyaprathet district of Sa Kaeo province, was unexpectedly shut down on Saturday afternoon, leaving thousands of individuals stranded.

• The Ban Khlong Luek border checkpoint between Thailand and Cambodia closed unexpectedly at 4 PM, stranding thousands of people.
• Cambodian vendors and Thai gamblers were stuck on opposite sides of the border, causing confusion and congestion.
• The closure was part of a Thai military response to heightened tensions following a recent clash in Ubon Ratchathani province.

The Ban Khlong Luek checkpoint, one of the busiest border crossings between Thailand and Cambodia, was abruptly shut down at 4 PM, leaving thousands of individuals stranded reported the Bangkok Post. Cambodian vendors and Thai gamblers found themselves stuck on opposite sides of the border, causing confusion and heavy congestion. The unexpected closure was part of a Thai military response to rising tensions following a recent clash in Ubon Ratchathani province.

In response to the security concerns, new restrictions were introduced at the checkpoint. Operating hours were significantly reduced, with the border now open from 8 AM to 4 PM instead of the previous 6 AM to 10 PM schedule. Thai nationals are no longer permitted to cross for gambling or tourism, and Cambodian traders now face stricter entry requirements, with the validity of their border passes reduced from 14 days to 7 days. Additionally, vehicle crossings have been limited, requiring trucks to use an alternative checkpoint.

The sudden shutdown triggered a mass rush of Cambodian vendors attempting to return home, resulting in traffic backups stretching for kilometers. Thai military officials emphasized that future closures would only be enforced in the event of severe security threats, reinforcing their commitment to maintaining stability along the border.