Thailand announced on July 24 that all borders with Cambodia have been sealed following deadly clashes near a remote crossing that left at least one person dead and several others injured, further heightening tensions between these Southeast Asian neighbors.
Thai authorities issued the statement late Wednesday following violence erupting earlier in Sa Kaeo province, which borders Cambodia’s Banteay Meanchey province and shares porous borders with it. Authorities claim an exchange of gunfire ensued between Thai border patrol forces and suspected Cambodian smugglers or paramilitary operatives who attempted to cross illegally across their porous frontier with Thai territory.
Thai officials confirmed that at least one Thai soldier was killed and three more wounded during the shootout; Cambodian sources have not provided any official casualty estimates; however, local reports indicate that Cambodian nationals may also have been injured in this incident.
Thailand’s Interior Minister, Pol Gen Phatcharavat Wongsuwan, held an emergency press conference on Thursday morning. As a result of an imminent threat to national security and personnel safety, they took steps to close all borders between Thailand and Cambodia immediately, according to Wongsuwan.
All official border crossings used for trade, tourism and labor migration have been closed. Security along the 817-kilometer border has been significantly strengthened; Thai military and police units have been deployed along key transit points as well as forested areas known for smuggling routes to keep an eye on key transit points and ensure proper patrol.
Cambodia has expressed regret over an incident which resulted in violence at a bridge crossing near Phnom Penh on February 21, and issued an urgent investigation request. Officials from Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement calling for calm and cooperation to avoid further escalation of tensions.
Cambodia was deeply concerned to learn of reports of violence and loss of life in Thailand, and offered its assistance in order to clarify the circumstances and prevent any future miscommunication, according to a statement released today by Thai authorities.
Cross-border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have often flared over the years due to territorial disputes, illegal logging operations, trafficking in narcotics or wildlife; this latest incident represents one of the more severe clashes.
The border closure will have immediate economic repercussions for both nations, as thousands of Cambodian migrant workers cross into Thailand daily to find work, while border trade in agricultural goods, fuel and consumer products is an economic lifeline for communities on both sides.
Thai businesses in border towns have already reported disruptions. Prasert Jinda, an Aranyaprathet shop owner said his shop relied heavily on Cambodian workers and customers: “Even just temporarily closing for just a couple days will wreak havoc for us.”
United Nations and regional observers have called upon both governments to engage in dialogue. ASEAN Secretariat has offered its services if required in order to stop further violence and restore normality.
As of Thursday afternoon, Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that no formal talks had been scheduled with Cambodia but instead was “monitoring closely.”
With tensions high and the border sealed off, residents in the region remain anxious, hoping that diplomacy will prevail over more bloodshed.
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