Thailand Tightens Border Controls with Cambodia to Fight Transnational Crime
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has announced new border controls with Cambodia to tackle transnational crime. Restrictions will limit cross-border travel to essential purposes, halt exports of certain goods, and suspend internet services to military-linked entities in Cambodia. This comes amid rising tensions, with both countries enforcing measures against each other.
In a decisive move to combat transnational crime, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced heightened border controls with Cambodia. This announcement came during a press conference held at the government house in Bangkok on June 23, 2025, following a high-level meeting with security officials. Notably, the plan includes restrictions on the movement of both vehicles and individuals crossing the border.
The prime minister outlined that travel between the two nations—specifically across seven provinces along the Thai-Cambodian border—will be limited to essential purposes. These essential categories include travel for students, medical patients, and the transport of vital goods. The intention is to severely reduce opportunities for illicit activities.
Furthermore, Thailand will be pausing exports of certain goods, especially fuel and electricity, which could potentially facilitate illegal operations in Cambodia. There’s strong consideration for suspending fuel shipments suspected of being misused. This is all aimed at not just curbing smuggling but also maintaining regional security.
Paetongtarn also noted plans to suspend internet services and submarine cables that connect to Cambodia’s government and military entities. This is a significant step that underscores the ongoing tensions at the border, as Thailand seeks to clamp down on activities that might threaten its national security or support transnational crime.
In response to this announcement, the Thai military has rolled out enhanced protocols restricting border crossings to only humanitarian and essential travel. These measures highlight a heightened state of vigilance amidst growing tensions with Cambodia.
Interestingly, just a day prior, Cambodia declared it would halt imports of fuel and gas from Thailand, thereby advising its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Thailand. This back-and-forth signals an increasingly complex relationship between the two neighboring countries, with both sides taking steps they believe are necessary for their respective national interests.
Thailand’s tightening of border controls with Cambodia, announced by Prime Minister Paetongtarn, reflects a proactive stance against transnational crime. The measures restrict cross-border travel, suspend certain trade exports, and limit internet services linked to military concerns. Amid rising tensions, these developments indicate serious efforts by both nations to address security issues along their shared border.
Original Source: english.news.cn
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