Cambodia has suspended border crossings at the An Mah pass, which links its Preah Vihear province with Nam Yuen district in Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani province, in retaliation for Thailand’s decision to reduce the opening and closing times of other gates along the border.
Following a rise in border tensions between the two countries, the Thai military reduced the An Mah pass opening hours from every Tuesday and Thursday, from 9am-3pm, to Thursday only, from 9am to 12pm.
Nhan Bonet, head of the Cambodian border checkpoint, stated that Cambodia closed the crossing yesterday after the Thai side unilaterally reduced the operating hours.
He said the suspension would be lifted if the Thai military reversed its decision.
Meanwhile, Nam Yuen district chief Arthit Bussaba said yesterday that he learned of Cambodia’s move from local vendors, who were unable to cross the border to conduct business in Cambodia.
“Cambodia closed it without prior notice,” Arthit said, adding that the Thai side are adhering to the restriction.
Earlier, Cambodia’s former prime minister Hun Sen ordered a ban on all cross-border imports of fruit and vegetables from Thailand, in response to the altered operating hours at Thai-Cambodian checkpoints.
