Observers say Cambodia and Thailand cannot reopen | RSS.com
Observers in Cambodia say the border with Thailand should remain closed until both sides fully resolve their territorial disputes. They warn that reopening crossings prematurely could complicate future negotiations, unless Phnom Penh faces unavoidable pressure from a third country.
Speaking on The Cambodia Daily’s Idea Talk programme on September 15, researcher Meas Nee said allowing cross-border movement while troops still occupy contested areas would make it harder to settle the frontier dispute later.
He acknowledged that economic concerns are real but argued that sovereignty must come first, particularly as Cambodians remain anxious about losing land to Thailand.
Tensions have focused on Thai military positions in Banteay Meanchey’s Chouk Chey and Prey Chan villages and other disputed areas where Thailand has reportedly built structures inside Cambodian territory. Analysts say these encroachments must be resolved before Phnom Penh and Bangkok can discuss reopening the border.
Meas Nee added that Thailand is worried about losing its export market in Cambodia. If the border remains shut, he said, Chinese and Vietnamese goods will dominate the Cambodian market, especially as they are often cheaper than Thai products.
His comments followed recent discussions between Cambodia and Thailand over reopening certain crossings at Japan’s request to maintain supply chains.
On September 10, Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Seiha said the General Border Committee talks agreed to consider opening selected checkpoints to facilitate essential trade.
But three days later, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul insisted any reopening would require multiple agreements, military arrangements, and full compliance with Thailand’s conditions.
Meanwhile, Thai defence official Wanchana Sawasdee was quoted by the newspaper Khaosod on September 11 as opposing border reopening outright, despite Japan’s appeal.
The Cambodia-Thailand frontier stretches more than 800 kilometres across seven provinces, with 10 international checkpoints and five local border gates. Heavy volumes of Thai agricultural products and goods are entered Cambodia daily through these routes, some continuing to Vietnam.
Since June 17, 2025, however, all crossings have been closed after the latest flare-up in border tensions.
