Due to growing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, Thai citizens are now prohibited from crossing the border to work in or visit casinos in Cambodia.
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have escalated following a deadly border clash on 28 May that left a Cambodian soldier dead. The dispute centers on their shared 820-kilometre land border, parts of which are contested by both nations.
Since the incident, both countries have taken retaliatory actions. Thailand has threatened to cut electricity and internet services to Cambodia, targeting scam operations and illegal casinos. In response, Cambodia has banned Thai media broadcasts and halted the import of Thai fruits and vegetables. As of 8 June, both sides have also shortened the hours for border crossings.
In the latest development, the Royal Thai Army has ordered all Thai nationals working in Cambodian casinos to remain at home starting 8 a.m. Tuesday, until further notice. According to the Bangkok Post, Thai leisure travelers are also prohibited from crossing into Cambodia, particularly for gambling purposes.
Blow for Cambodia’s foreigner-only casinos
The ongoing dispute is hurting business at foreigner-only casinos in Poipet, a Cambodian border town often referred to as the country’s Sin City. Located about three hours from Bangkok, Poipet is home to eight casinos, which rely heavily on Thai visitors—who make up around 90% of day-trip patrons. The remainder are mainly from China and Western countries.
Following the implementation of border restrictions, Star Vegas Casino operator Donaco International reported a 62% drop in casino traffic and a 42% fall in hotel occupancy. In a filing to the Australian Securities Exchange, the company warned that the disruption would impact June revenue and said it would “update shareholders as appropriate.”
“While the current situation is relatively calm,” Donaco noted, “ongoing disputes remain, and the Thai government continues to enforce measures that restrict border movement.”
Thailand rejects third-party mediation
In a Facebook post on Monday, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet announced that he has requested the International Court of Justice in The Hague to help mediate the border dispute. “Cambodia chooses international law and peace,” he declared.
However, Thailand’s foreign ministry rejected the proposal, stating that involving a third party “may not always be conducive to the preservation of amicable relations among states,” especially when the issue involves “sensitive matters with complex historical, territorial, or political dimensions.”
