Cambodia closes off cargo traffic from crossing border with Thailand

Cambodia’s General Department of Immigration announced that it will not permit any type of cargo transport to enter, exit, or transit through any international border checkpoints or regional checkpoints along the Cambodian-Thai border.

In a statement issued on June 29, the department said the ban will be enforced in accordance with a directive from Prime Minister Hun Manet, who was responding to measures imposed by Thailand on June 7 and again on June 23.

“This measure will remain in effect until the Thai side fully reopens all international and regional border checkpoints, which Thailand unilaterally closed, to resume normal operations as they were before June 7, 2025,” said the statement.

Cambodia previously banned the import of Thai fruit and vegetables and suspended the import of oil and gas from Thailand.

The measures were taken by the Cambodian leadership in response to various threats from Thailand.

On June 23, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra ordered the Thai authorities to close border crossings in seven provinces, except for medical patients and students, citing the need to combat online scam operations and cross-border crimes.

Following the announcement by Cambodia, Thailand’s Burapha Task Force, which oversees the Thai-Cambodian border, requested that their immigration office in Sa Kaeo province allow cargo transport to enter and exit Cambodia through certain border checkpoints.

However, Mr Hun Manet instructed the Thai side to request the military – or whoever has the actual authority – to reopen the borders that have been unilaterally closed or restricted since June 7.

“If Thai authorities and Thai citizens wish to see the Cambodian-Thai border checkpoints reopened, there is no need to request Cambodia.

“Please request those with real authority in Thailand, whether the military or others, to restore the border checkpoints to their normal state as before June 7, and