CAMBODIA/Thailand – The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has issued an update on the Thai-Cambodian border situation, confirming that checkpoint control measures currently in effect are intended to safeguard public safety, not to enforce a complete closure.
The update, delivered on June 8 by Nikorndej Balangura, Director-General of the Department of Information and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, follows a National Security Council resolution from June 6 that we reported here, which authorized regional military units to manage checkpoint operations based on local conditions. The border situation remains calm, and military authorities are coordinating to ensure a measured and consistent response.
Thai authorities have introduced a four-step procedure to manage movement across the border. These include limiting crossings to essential cases such as trade, goods transport, and work; adjusting operating hours; temporarily closing specific checkpoints; and full closure in a crisis scenario. The public has been advised to monitor official updates for travel times, required documents, and any changes to local procedures.
The First Army Area, through Burapa Command, oversees Sa Kaeo province, while the Second Army Area and Suranaree Command manage checkpoints in Ubon Ratchathani, Buriram, Si Sa Ket, and Surin. The Royal Thai Navy is responsible for operations in Chanthaburi and Trat. Despite the new controls, many crossings remain open, such as the Aranyaprathet-Poipet International Border Checkpoint, which now operates from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with limited travel permitted for tourism and gambling purposes.
Thai officials have clarified that the measures are in place to support peace and order, not for commercial advantage. Authorities have stressed the need to maintain essential cross-border activities, including access to education and medical services, while continuing to support local trade and livelihoods on both sides of the border. They reaffirmed that the measures are not unilateral in nature but are instead designed to ensure security and prevent disruption.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Thailand’s ongoing adherence to diplomacy and peaceful solutions. The government continues to rely on bilateral frameworks such as the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding and the Thailand-Cambodia Joint Boundary Committee (JBC), whose next meeting is set for June 14. The Thai government has called for reduced tensions and active engagement through these mechanisms, which it views as essential to resolving disputes cooperatively.
Domestically, the Thai government stated that its civilian and military branches are working in alignment. Daily briefings are held to provide accurate updates and assure the public that national interests are being protected.
Internationally, the MFA reported that ASEAN members and other countries are not pressuring Thailand on the issue, and that requests for clarification from interested parties, including Malaysia, are being addressed transparently. Thai authorities maintain that the matter remains manageable through bilateral channels.
The preceding is an official press release from the Thai Government. Photo credit Ing Shin X.
