New restrictions at Thai-Cambodia border: Gamblers banned, truck access limited

Bangkok: Thailand has reduced the operating hours and imposed new restrictions at several key border checkpoints with Cambodia, a move attributed to heightened tensions between the two Southeast Asian nations following a recent deadly military clash. This comes as both countries seek to de-escalate the situation, with an agreement reached on Sunday to reposition troops in the disputed border area.

Reduced border access:

The revised operational hours and restrictions impact a number of vital crossings, affecting tourism, trade, and daily life for residents. According to the Bangkok Post the key changes include:

Chong Ahn Ma: Reduced from twice a week to only on Thursdays, 9 am to noon.

Sai Taku: Now open three days a week instead of daily, from 9 am to noon.

Chong Sa-ngam: Open three days a week instead of daily, from 9 am to 3 pm, with a ban on construction material transport.

Chong Jom: Also open three days a week instead of daily, from 8 am to 3 pm, and prohibits construction material transport.

Ban Klong Luek: Operating hours cut from 6 am-10 pm to 8 am-4 pm, with a ban on gamblers and tourists. Both Cambodian and Thai traders must now use border passes valid for seven days instead of 14, and trucks with six or more wheels are prohibited.

Thai-Cambodian Friendship Bridge (Ban Nong Ian-Stung Bot): Open from 8 am to 4 pm, down from 6 am-6 pm, though trucks with six wheels or more are still permitted.

Ban Khao Din: Hours reduced from 6 am-6 pm to 8 am-4 pm, barring gamblers and tourists. Border passes for traders are now seven-day valid, and large trucks are blocked.

Ban Ta Phraya: Open from 8 am to noon, blocking trucks with six wheels or more.

Ban Nong Prue: Open from 8 am to noon, with military officers retaining discretion to allow or block individual crossings.

Ban Hat Lek: Operating hours reduced from 6 am-6 pm to 8 am-4 pm.

These new restrictions have led to some confusion and disruption, as seen at the Thai-Cambodian Friendship Bridge, where Cambodia opened its checkpoint an hour later than Thailand on the first day of the new hours. In a retaliatory move, Cambodia has also reduced the permitted stay for Thai nationals from 60 days to 7 days, mirroring Thailand's earlier imposition on Cambodian nationals.