Thailand halts cross-border casino work in Poipet amid growing tensions
With tensions and potential conflicts along the Thai-Cambodian border continuing to escalate, Thailand has banned its citizens from crossing into Cambodia’s Poipet township to work in casinos, gambling dens, and entertainment venues.
The ban, which took effect at 8 am on 17 June 2025, was announced by the Royal Thai Army, which said the decision was made to ensure the safety of Thai citizens.
Army order follows deadly border clash
The move comes in the wake of a military clash on 28 May near the tri-border area shared by Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos. The incident involved an exchange of fire between troops and resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier.
Since then, tensions have risen sharply, and both nations have imposed retaliatory measures. The order was issued by Maj Gen Benchapol Dechatiwong na Ayutthaya, commander of the Burapa Task Force, and directed to immigration police in Sa Kaeo province, which borders Poipet. It prohibits Thai nationals working in casinos and all entertainment venues in Poipet from crossing the border and will remain in place until the task force commander decides otherwise.
In a written directive, the Royal Thai Army stated, “RTA tightens control measures at Thai-Cambodian border crossings in Sa Kaeo Province, prohibiting Thai employees of gambling dens, casinos, and all types of entertainment venues from leaving the Kingdom of Thailand as of 08:00 hours today.”
The statement added that the restrictions align with ongoing security operations in border areas under the responsibility of the Burapha and Suranaree Task Forces.
Pol Col Napatrapong Supaporn, chief of immigration police in Sa Kaeo, asked Thai citizens for their cooperation and urged those still working in Poipet to return home for their own safety.
Cambodia responds with fruit and vegetable import ban
In a tit-for-tat move, Cambodia earlier this week banned the import of Thai fresh fruit and vegetables, further escalating the diplomatic rift.
Thailand, meanwhile, had previously pledged to step up enforcement against illegal casinos and scam operations along the border in preparation for the first Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting in over a decade. However, the current ban affects legal businesses and workers as well.
Earlier travel curbs already impacted casino sector
Before this latest measure, Thailand had imposed restrictions on its citizens, including reduced border crossing hours and a ban on non-essential travel, such as tourism and gambling. These restrictions were implemented on 8 June, and apply to major crossings including Aranyaprathet–Poipet, a key gateway for Thai tourists and workers entering Cambodia.
Donaco’s Star Vegas reports steep decline
On Monday, Donaco International Ltd, operator of the Star Vegas casino in Poipet, revealed that it has seen a 62% reduction in average daily headcount and a 42% drop in hotel occupancy since the restrictions began.
The company warned that the downturn is likely to affect its overall performance for June.
Army urges public to stay alert to changes
The Royal Thai Army has asked citizens to stay informed about any developments through its official channels, including www.rta.mi.th and its Facebook pages: “กองทัพบก Royal Thai Army” and “ทีมโฆษกกองทัพบก Royal Thai Army Spokesperson Team”.
No end date for the current ban has been announced, and the situation at the border remains tense.
