Thailand cracks down on cross-border gambling ahead of border talks with Cambodia
Thailand is intensifying efforts to shut down scam operations and illegal casinos along its border with Cambodia, just ahead of the first Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting in more than a decade. Although tensions along the frontier have decreased, Thai officials describe the situation as still “fragile”.
Earlier this week, Thailand’s Foreign Ministry confirmed plans to disrupt scam and gambling activities by cutting off electricity and internet services to areas near the Cambodian side of the border. “Tensions have eased significantly,” said Nikorndej Balankura, Director-General of the Department of Information and Foreign Ministry spokesperson.
He confirmed that joint Thai-Cambodian troops had recently carried out a field inspection at the Choam Bok checkpoint. Both sides agreed to withdraw forces to earlier positions and cover up trenches, a gesture seen as promoting de-escalation ahead of the JBC meeting in Phnom Penh on 14 June.
Strengthening border controls
Established in 2000, the JBC is a bilateral mechanism designed to facilitate border demarcation. It last convened in 2012 and has met ten times—five regular and five special sessions. Progress has been slow due to recurring tensions, but Thai officials hope the upcoming session will help rebuild cooperation and work towards a peaceful resolution of long-standing issues.
Nikorndej said the recent troop adjustments were a result of “goodwill and sincerity from the Cambodian side”, crediting ongoing diplomatic dialogue for the development.
The Foreign Ministry remains hopeful that the talks will support broader regional stability and continued infrastructure collaboration, such as the Thailand-Cambodia Friendship Bridge and a new border crossing at Ban Phak Kad in Chanthaburi.
Meanwhile, Thailand’s Border Threat Prevention Command Center (BPCC) will propose a series of targeted security measures to the National Security Council. These include cutting electricity and internet access to illegal casinos and scam centres, restricting the transport of goods and equipment linked to cyber fraud and human trafficking, and tightening surveillance across border areas.
Visa limits and public reassurance
As part of a coordinated approach, both Thailand and Cambodia have reduced visa-free entry periods from 60 days to seven days for each other’s nationals. “No timeline has been set” for when longer visa durations might be restored, said Nikorndej, adding that improving the overall security environment will be necessary before any changes are considered.
Some people living near the border are still worried, especially after noticing signs of increased military presence. Addressing these concerns, Nikorndej asked the public to stay calm and reminded everyone to check facts before spreading information. He added that the situation still needs to be “carefully monitored.”
He also urged media outlets and the public not to circulate unverified or inflammatory reports. “It’s important not to make unsubstantiated allegations against either side,” he added.
The agenda for the upcoming JBC meeting is still being finalised. While Thailand is pushing to address four disputed areas, Cambodia has reportedly resisted. “It’s too early to tell” if these topics will be included, said Nikorndej, but discussions are ongoing.
Despite the uncertainties, Thai authorities remain cautiously optimistic. They stress that civil and military diplomacy, along with strong bilateral mechanisms like the JBC, General Border Committee (GBC), and Regional Border Committee (RBC), will be key to securing long-term peace and tackling cross-border crime.
