Thailand has reportedly unilaterally closed the border crossings in Sa Kaeo province, with the Thai defence minister claiming that “all other efforts are exhausted”. The Thai province borders Cambodia’s Banteay Meanchey and Battambang provinces.

In a notice to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Kim Sovanna, head of the Cambodia General Consulate in Sa Kaeo province said that this morning, June 7, the consulate was notified of the closures by the Thai military.

“They reported that, effective from June 7, 2025, the border checkpoints and corridors between Thailand and Cambodia will be temporarily closed (unilaterally) pending negotiations regarding the Thai-Cambodian land border dispute,” he said.

“This follows Cambodia's refusal to negotiate on four points — namely, the areas of Ta Moan Toch, Ta Moan Thom, Ta Krabei, and Mum Bei — during the upcoming June 14 plenary meeting of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC). Cambodia has demanded that Thailand resolve the issue at the International Court of Justice (ICJ),” he added.

According to Sovanna, the border checkpoints and corridors in other provinces along the Thai-Cambodian border will also be closed.

The situation at the Cambodia-Thailand border remains tense, with Thai Minister of Defence Phumtham Wechayachai claiming today that Cambodia is escalating the standoff. He also claimed that information released by the Cambodian government was “inaccurate”.

In his June 7 statement, Phumtham suggested that Cambodia released certain information about the June 5 meeting between him and his Cambodian counterpart Tea Seiha which was “inaccurate, and did not reflect the content discussed in the meeting”.

“It is regrettable that constructive proposals, which could have led to de-escalation and peace, were rejected. Moreover, there has been an increase in military forces that further escalates tensions. Consequently, we are compelled to enhance our measures and reinforce our forces accordingly,” he said.

“Thailand will not tolerate any violation of sovereignty for any reason whatsoever and is prepared to defend its sovereignty with full force,” he added.

Phumtham said he confirmed his support for the military to “carry out their duties with full strength” and offer encouragement to all personnel performing their duties to protect “Thai territory”.

“I emphasise that all Thai operations will prioritise the lives, safety and peace of the people in the border areas, as well as the personnel courageously performing their duties,” he continued.

He reiterated the Thai government’s rejection of the ICJ’s jurisdiction since 1960 and called for the use of the bilateral negotiation processes agreed to in a 200 MoU.

“In conclusion, I firmly state that I have never agreed with any actions by anyone that infringes upon Thailand’s sovereignty. The government and military are fully prepared to defend and maintain the nation’s sovereignty to the utmost extent,” his statement ended.

Thailand has called for the forces of both sides to return to their 2024 positions. Cambodia had stated that the area which saw a brief exchange of fire on May 28 is Cambodia territory and its forces have been stationed there for a long time.

Prime Minister Hun Manet said yesterday that Cambodia will only bring the four disputed points to the ICJ, and will continue to utilise the MoU mechanisms for all other demarcations.

Speaking at a public event in Ratanakiri this morning, Manet said: “Whatever the ICJ decides, Cambodia will acknowledge and accept to bring closure. We brought this issue to the ICJ not to incite war, but to resolve and avoid unnecessary conflict.”

He called on the people of both countries to restrain from escalating the situation and making it worse.