Thailand’s Unilateral Border Closure Sparks Confusion and Criticism
- By: TornChanritheara, June 7, 2025, Cambodianess
PHNOM PENH — Thailand’s decision on June 7 to unilaterally close the border, along with announcing adjustments to the timing of border openings and closings with Cambodia, has sparked confusion and criticism.
Banteay Meanchey provincial governor Oum Reatrey said Thai authorities made a unilateral decision to abruptly close the Poipet International Gate in the afternoon of June 7 without providing official notification to the Cambodian side. The Thai side also adjusted the border opening hours from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and the closing hours from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Reatrey said, “I have reached out to the Thai authorities. They have permitted our citizens to exit Thai territory by 8 p.m. Regarding tomorrow, as previously announced, it will open at 8 a.m. and close at 4 p.m.”
Arnaud Darc, former head of the European Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia, criticized the Thai decision, noting that it did not stem from border war or aggression, but rather from Cambodia’s refusal to negotiate on issues that must be assessed legally.
He referred to the Cambodian government’s firm decision to bring the four disputed points—Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Toch, Ta Krabei, and Mum Bei—to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
“And now, instead of dialogue or trust in law, we are seeing border closures, accusations, and pressure,” he said.
On the Thai side, authorities have repeatedly accused Cambodia of initiating the confrontation. Darc rejected the claim, stressing that Cambodia has not escalated the situation.
“Cambodia has acted with maturity. The path we’ve chosen is slow, but it is just,” he said. “It is not always easy to stay calm when others move fast or are loud. But it is the right thing to do.”
As the situation evolves, he urged Cambodians not to succumb to fear or anger, but to remain united—adding that the world is watching, not merely to see who is right, but also to observe how Cambodia behaves when it is right.
Cambodia decided to refer the four disputed areas to the ICJ on June 2, in a move to end the dispute and determine the precise border.
However, the Thai government has reaffirmed its refusal to recognize the ICJ’s jurisdiction over border disputes with Cambodia, arguing that involving the court would unnecessarily complicate resolution efforts.
On June 5, Cambodian and Thai defense ministers met for the first time since the May 28 incident and agreed to de-escalate border tensions and maintain communication to prevent further clashes.
They also agreed to continue negotiations through existing mechanisms such as the General Border Committee, Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), and Regional Border Committee meetings.
Cambodia is set to host a JBC meeting with Thailand on June 14 but confirmed that the four sensitive areas will not be on the agenda.
Link to original story: Thailand’s Unilateral Border Closure Sparks Confusion and Criticism | Cambodianess