As Cambodia indefinitely closes the Poipet border, thousands of Thai nationals are stuck in Cambodia, unable to return to Thailand.
This decision, announced on December 13th, came after initial plans to reopen the border for a few hours were suddenly revoked due to security concerns amid escalating hostilities at the border, The Bangkok Post reported.
Cambodian officials had previously assured the opening of the Poipet checkpoint, prompting Thai authorities to mobilize transport for the return of those stranded. However, upon the scheduled time, Cambodian officials informed their Thai counterparts that the border would remain closed without providing a new schedule. Consequently, Thai personnel were withdrawn from the scene.
Approximately 3,000 Thais were gathered at the border, hoping to return amid growing tensions. Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen called for a suspension of cross-border travel for safety reasons, leading to the official closure by the Cambodian Interior Ministry.
Thai officials, including the foreign minister, condemned the closure as a breach of international human rights law, emphasizing the importance of allowing citizens to return home, especially under humanitarian grounds. Meanwhile, Thailand has successfully repatriated over 7,000 Cambodian nationals since the outbreak of conflict.
