Thai Military Indefinitely Closes Cambodia Border, Imposes Laws in Disputed Villages

Thai Military Orders Indefinite Border Closure and Imposition of Laws

In a significant escalation of tensions, Thai military commanders have voted to indefinitely close the 817-kilometer border with Cambodia. The decision also includes the controversial measure of imposing Thai domestic laws on Cambodian citizens residing in disputed villages along the frontier. This move has prompted a strong protest from Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital.

The unanimous vote by commanders of the Thai armed forces took place during the fifth meeting of the committee of armed forces chiefs at the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters in Bangkok. The military cited national security concerns and the need for de-escalation as primary reasons for the closure, stating that all permanent checkpoints and trade crossings would remain shut until Cambodia is 'no longer deemed a threat'.

Imposition of Thai Law Sparks Outcry

The imposition of Thai domestic laws on Cambodian nationals in disputed areas, specifically mentioning villages like Prey Chan and Chouk Chey in Cambodia's Banteay Meanchey province, has been a major point of contention. The Thai Army reportedly issued a public warning, indicating that severe criminal penalties, including life imprisonment or even the death penalty, could be applied for 'acts against' Thai sovereignty.

Cambodia's Foreign Ministry lodged a 'strong protest and objection' against Bangkok's intention, calling the application of such penalties against Cambodian nationals engaged in peaceful protest a 'grave violation of fundamental human rights guaranteed under international law'. Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen publicly reiterated Cambodia's firm stance, stating that the country 'will not lower ourselves to beg Thailand to reopen the border' and that 'even if it remains closed for 100 years, Cambodia will not perish'.

Recent Clashes Fuel Tensions

The border closure and legal impositions follow a period of heightened tensions and recent clashes between the two nations. A significant flare-up occurred on September 17, 2025, at Prey Chan village, where Cambodian citizens and Thai soldiers clashed. This incident saw Cambodians reportedly fighting with sticks and stones against Thai soldiers who used rubber bullets, slingshots, and smoke bombs after dividing the village with razor wire.

The Thai military has also issued a 30-day deadline for Cambodians to vacate land around Prey Chan, a measure expected to affect 'hundreds of households, comprising about a thousand inhabitants'. These recent events come after a 'five-day undeclared war' in July, which concluded with a Malaysian-brokered ceasefire that has struggled to hold. Key Thai officials involved in the decision include Gen. Songwit Noonphukdi, Chief of the Defence Forces, and the decisions are pending approval by Defence Minister Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit and Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's new cabinet.