Border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have escalated further, with Thailand announcing on Tuesday that it has banned its citizens from crossing the border in Sa Kaeo to work in casinos, gambling dens, and other entertainment venues in Poipet.
The order, which took effect at 8am on Tuesday, was issued by the Royal Thai Army, which claimed in a statement that it was necessary to ensure the safety of the Thai people, according to local media reports.
It follows a move by Cambodia earlier in the week to ban the import of fresh fruit and vegetables from Thailand.
The Bangkok Post said the order is set to remain in place “until the Burapa Task Force commander decides otherwise.”
The ongoing territorial dispute between the two Southeast Asian nations comes after troops exchanged fire on 28 May, leaving a Cambodian soldier dead.
Last week, the Thai government imposed a variety of restrictions on its citizens, including reduced border crossing hours and a ban on Thai nationals crossing the border for non-essential travel, specifically tourism and gambling in casinos located in border towns like Poipet.
The escalation to ban casino workers represents a further heightening of tensions after talks between the two sides over the weekend failed to achieve results.
Donaco International Limited, which operates one of Poipet’s largest casinos – Star Vegas – revealed on Monday that it has experienced a 62% reduction in headcount and a 42% fall in hotel occupancy at the property since the implementation of border restrictions by Thailand.
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