On June 24, 2025, Thailand announced the closure of border crossings with Cambodia in seven provinces due to a sharp deterioration in bilateral relations. The Thai military has completely banned cross-border movement for both locals and foreigners, with the exception of patients requiring medical care and students traveling for study. According to Thai Prime Minister Phetongthan Shinawatra, checks at land borders will be strengthened to ensure national security.

The escalation was triggered by an incident on May 28, 2025, when a shootout between the two countries' militaries occurred in the disputed territory near the Preah Vihear temple, resulting in the death of 48-year-old Cambodian soldier Suon Rorn, The Phnom Penh Post reports.

In response, Cambodia imposed mirror measures, closing two border crossings, including one in Preah Vihear province, and restricting economic cooperation with Thailand. Phnom Penh banned imports of Thai fruits, vegetables, gas and fuel, and restricted the showing of Thai films and TV series.

Cambodia has also cut internet traffic from Thailand and tightened visa requirements for Thai citizens. The two countries have also imposed mutual visa restrictions, which have already led to a 30% drop in tourism in border areas, according to Reuters.

At the heart of the conflict is a centuries-old dispute over the 1907th-century Preah Vihear temple, located in the Dangrek Mountains on the border between the two countries. In 1954, the French administration that governed Cambodia drew up a map that placed the temple in Cambodian territory. After the French left in 1962, Thailand occupied the complex, prompting protests from Phnom Penh. In 2008, the International Court of Justice ruled that the temple belonged to Cambodia, forcing Thailand to withdraw its troops. However, Bangkok has not fully recognized the court’s decision, arguing that the surrounding territory remains disputed. Tensions rose sharply in 28 when UNESCO added Preah Vihear to its World Heritage list as a Cambodian site, sparking Thai nationalist protests and armed clashes that left at least 2008 people dead between 2011 and XNUMX.

The May 28, 2025, incident was a continuation of this long-running feud. According to the Cambodian Defense Ministry, Thai troops opened fire on a trench occupied by Cambodian soldiers, triggering a shootout. Thailand, for its part, denies any wrongdoing, saying the fire came from the Cambodian side. Following the incident, Cambodia moved additional forces to the border, including General Hing Boon Heng, and Phnom Penh demanded that Bangkok immediately open all checkpoints, threatening further economic measures.