Opinion; Thailand Can’t Close the Border at Will—Then Cry for a Reopening
Khmer Times | On June 29, 2025, Cambodian authorities received an unexpected request from Thai military commanders in Sa Kaeo province: a temporary reopening of several key border checkpoints to allow Thai citizens and trucks to pass into Cambodia. On the surface, this may appear pragmatic. But in truth, it reveals a troubling pattern of unilateralism, contradiction, and tactical confusion in Thailand’s handling of its shared border with Cambodia.
The very same Thai military—specifically the 2nd Army Region—was responsible for the abrupt, unilateral closure of these crossings just days ago. Without prior consultation or coordination with Cambodia, Thailand shuttered gates that thousands of Cambodians and Thais rely on every day for work, trade, medical care, and family life. No warning. No diplomacy. Just a sudden act of force cloaked in vague “security” concerns.
This unilateral closure—now subject to selective exceptions—has already been widely condemned as a violation of international norms and human rights. It disrupted livelihoods, separated families, and damaged trust.
Now, under mounting internal pressure and growing economic pain, Thai authorities are asking for a temporary reprieve—just long enough to relieve domestic discontent and score a few public relations points. Let us be clear: this is not diplomacy. This is damage control dressed up as cooperation.
The Real Cost of Border Dramas
Cambodia has consistently advocated for a peaceful and stable border regime. Our commitment to ASEAN principles, good neighborliness, international law, and regional harmony is firm. But stability cannot be achieved when one side acts unilaterally—playing both judge and gatekeeper.
The closures of key gates like Ban Khlong Luek and Chong Sai Taku had real consequences: stranded workers, halted trade, and entire border communities left in limbo. Cambodia responded proportionally, closing crossings on our side in line with the principle of reciprocity.
As Prime Minister Hun Manet affirmed today, “It was Thailand who closed the borders first. If Thailand wants to reopen, then they must take the first step. Once Thailand reopens, Cambodia will follow.”
This is not posturing—it is a principled position rooted in fairness and logic. Cambodia refuses to be used as a diplomatic pawn to clean up a mess created unilaterally by Thailand’s own military establishment.
Unilateralism Undermines Trust
The Thai military claims it shut the border for security reasons. Yet the only thing that has become less secure is regional trust and bilateral goodwill.
Thailand’s civilian government, led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, continues to send conflicting signals—declaring the border “open” while standing idle as the military blocks crossings and enforces closures. Who, then, controls Thai foreign policy—the elected government or the regional army commanders?
Even worse, Thailand has attempted to mislead the international community. While the military closes gates and deploys troops, Bangkok proclaims a message of openness. Cambodia’s Interior Minister, H.E. Sar Sokha, rightly called out this hypocrisy: “You say the border is open, but you don’t let people pass. That is a lie.”
A Call for Real Dialogue, Not Drama
If Thailand genuinely seeks a return to normalcy at the border, it must begin by respecting Cambodia as an equal and sovereign partner. Requests to reopen gates cannot be made only when politically or economically convenient. Cambodia is not a relief valve for Thailand’s internal dysfunction or local unrest.
Cambodia will not accept a policy of “close unilaterally, open selectively.” Reciprocity must be respected. If Thailand wants to restore cooperation, it must first undo what it disrupted.
Cambodia Chooses Peace. Thailand Must Choose Consistency.
Cambodia continues to choose peace, diplomacy, and international law. We urge our Thai counterparts—both civilian and military—to do the same.
Security cannot be built through coercion.
Trust cannot be rebuilt through contradiction. The people along our border deserve better than to be trapped in a political drama not of their making.
Let Thailand reopen what it closed. Then Cambodia will act in kind—calmly, responsibly, and as a good neighbor. That is the only path forward.
By Roth Santepheap, Geopolitical Analyst based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The views and opinions expressed are his own.