Thousands were stranded due to tensions and restrictions imposed by the military at the Ban Khong Lye checkpoint, Aranyaprathet.

On 7 June 2025, one of the busiest checkpoints on the Thai-Cambodian border, Ban Klong Lyeuk, located in the Aranyaprathet district of Sa Kaeo province, was suddenly closed. This led to chaos and caused serious inconvenience for thousands of people, and also occurred against a backdrop of heightened tensions between the two countries.

The Thai and Cambodian authorities decided to close the border crossing at 4 p.m. local time. This decision took many people by surprise, including Cambodian citizens on the Thai side and Thais who had traveled to Poipet, a Cambodian city known for its casinos.

According to statements, the checkpoint will operate on a limited basis — from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, as opposed to the usual schedule from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The border closure was the most notable event of the day, as the Royal Thai Army took control of all checkpoints on the border with Cambodia.

The Thai army has increased its presence along the entire border in response to the build-up of military power in the neighboring country. The escalation followed clashes on 28 May in the disputed border area of Ubon Ratchathani province. The closure of Ban Khloeng Lyek was carried out simultaneously by the Thai military from the Burapha task force and Cambodian soldiers.

The sudden closure of the border triggered a mass exodus of Cambodian traders from the border market, who sought to return to Poipet. Thousands of people and hundreds of cars formed huge queues, creating a traffic jam stretching for several kilometers. The police were forced to intervene to control the situation.

The Burapha Task Force announced additional restrictions. In particular, Thai citizens are prohibited from leaving the country for the purpose of gambling and tourism. Cambodian traders are allowed to enter with passports or border passes, the validity of which has been reduced from 14 to 7 days.

A restriction has been imposed on trucks with six or more wheels, which are only allowed to cross the border via the Thai-Cambodian Friendship Bridge. Humanitarian medical transport is permitted, but only with the approval of the Thai-Cambodian Coordination Office.

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