Aranyaprathet: Thai officials have ordered the closure of the Thai-Cambodian border gate at the Ban Khlong Luek permanent border crossing in Aranyaprathet District. The closure allows only Cambodians who are stranded to return to their country.
According to Thai News Agency, the sudden closure of the Thai-Cambodian border gate was reported at the permanent border checkpoint at Ban Klong Luek, Tambon Aranyaprathet, Amphoe Aranyaprathet, Sa Kaeo Province. The order restricts the general public from crossing over to the Cambodian side and prohibits all Thais from traveling out of the country to casinos or areas on the Cambodian side. Only Cambodians who are stranded will be permitted to return home initially.
The military outlined that the decision was made following instructions from the Army Commander, granting authority to the 1st Army Region Commander, the Burapha Task Force Commander, and the 2nd Army Region Commander, the Suranaree Task Force Commander, to manage the opening and closing of all types of border checkpoints as deemed necessary. Further measures include shortening the opening and closing hours of permanent border checkpoints from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Moreover, the hours for trade relaxation points have been adjusted to 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Thais aiming to travel to gamble at the Poipet casino or visit Cambodia are restricted from leaving, except for those working in Poipet, who can travel in and out. However, their visa period for staying in Cambodia has been reduced from 14 days to 7 days, effective from June 7, 2025.
On the first day of implementing the reduced closing time of 4:00 p.m., military officers closed the border crossing at the new time, which was unexpected for many. This led to confusion in front of the Khlong Luek border crossing as Cambodians trading at Rong Kluea Market found the border already closed, resulting in them waiting at the checkpoint. The commander of the Burapha Task Force later allowed the stranded Cambodians to leave, though Thais and tourists were not permitted to exit, easing the situation in front of the Khlong Luek border checkpoint.