SA KAEO, THAILAND – In a move to mitigate the effects of an ongoing border dispute with Cambodia, the Thai military has temporarily eased its restrictions at key crossing points in Sa Kaeo province to allow stranded Cambodian nationals and vehicles to return home. The decision follows mounting pressure from humanitarian groups and ASEAN observers who have urged both sides to prioritize civilian welfare.

Limited Repatriation of Trucks and Workers

Maj Gen Benchapol Dechatiwong na Ayutthaya, commander of the Burapa Task Force overseeing Thai-Cambodian border security, signed two emergency orders on Sunday, June 29, authorizing a temporary and tightly controlled relaxation of border regulations. These orders aim to facilitate the repatriation of stranded cargo trucks and Cambodian nationals holding valid permits.

From June 30 through July 6, up to 50 cargo trucks per day will be permitted to cross the Ban Khao Din and Ban Nong Ian-Stung Bot checkpoints, both inbound and outbound, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. The Bang Nong Prue crossing will allow 20 trucks daily, but only from 8 a.m. to noon. Crucially, only vehicles previously registered with Thai Customs before June 25 will be eligible, and trucks returning from Cambodia must come back empty.

Additionally, temporary extensions have been granted to Cambodian nationals with valid seven-day border passes or 15-day work permits, though individuals whose documents expired before June 23 are not included.

Cambodia Responds with Countermeasure

Despite Thailand’s gesture, tensions remain high. On Sunday evening, Thai Army spokesperson Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree confirmed that Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior had issued a retaliatory directive prohibiting all forms of cargo transport across the shared border. Cambodian officials cited sovereignty concerns and alleged Thai military pressure at previous crossings.

International observers note that the Cambodian move may complicate ongoing efforts to de-escalate the conflict, which began in April 2025 over disputed cross-border trade policies and a military standoff at an unofficial checkpoint.

Regional Reactions and ASEAN Engagement

Diplomatic sources report that ASEAN representatives are in quiet talks with both Phnom Penh and Bangkok. An emergency consultation session is rumored to be under discussion for early July, according to local media in Bangkok and Phnom Penh. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) also expressed concern over the humanitarian impact, urging both countries to uphold international norms concerning cross-border aid and labor mobility.

Mistrust between two nations

While Thailand’s limited border reopening offers short-term relief to affected individuals and businesses, the retaliatory action by Cambodia reflects the broader mistrust between the two nations. Analysts caution that without high-level diplomatic engagement, the situation may spiral into a protracted standoff with damaging economic and humanitarian consequences for the border communities on both sides. (zai)