Cambodia сloses border with Thailand over civilian safety concerns

Cambodia has immediately suspended all land entry and exit at its border crossings with Thailand, acting on a recommendation by Senate President Hun Sen amid escalating border tensions and concerns for civilian safety.

In a statement issued on December 13, Cambodia’s Interior Ministry said the decision was taken to protect Cambodian citizens, Thai nationals and foreign residents, particularly those who regularly cross the border. The ministry advised Cambodian and Thai nationals to remain where they currently live and work until a ceasefire is fully implemented.

Local authorities have been instructed to provide full protection and assistance to Thai nationals and foreign residents on the same basis as Cambodian citizens. The ministry also called on the Thai authorities to ensure the safety of Cambodians residing in Thailand.

“This measure aims to prevent risks and ensure the safety of civilians, especially with regard to cross-border travel,” the Interior Ministry said.

Hun Sen earlier urged the prime minister to consider a temporary suspension of cross-border movement, citing serious safety concerns linked to ongoing clashes. He noted that recent incidents along the border had resulted in civilian casualties, damage to public infrastructure and the exposure of certain areas to hazardous materials.

On December 12, US President Donald Trump said Thailand and Cambodia had agreed to halt hostilities starting that evening and to return to compliance with the peace agreement signed in late October.

Fighting along the Cambodia–Thailand border entered its seventh day on December 13, underscoring the collapse of a US-brokered ceasefire agreed at the end of October. Clashes resumed on December 8, with both sides accusing each other of violating the truce. According to Cambodianess, Thai military operations have since expanded to Koh Kong province, a coastal region far from the main disputed border zone.

As of 12:30 p.m. on December 13, the number of displaced people in Cambodia had risen to 356,948, or 106,558 families, according to Soth Kimkolmoni, spokesperson for the National Disaster Management Committee.

By Tamilla Hasanova