Deadly Clash Sparks Major Thailand-Cambodia Border Crisis

Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia escalated sharply after a deadly border clash in late May, prompting both nations to shut down major land crossings and impose travel and trade restrictions, including flight curbs. Disputes over contested territories have led to military buildups and the closure of key checkpoints such as Aranyaprathet–Poipet. Cambodia retaliated by closing its own checkpoints and banning select Thai imports, further straining economic and tourism ties. Both governments have exchanged heated rhetoric, with Cambodia calling for international arbitration and Thailand rejecting the International Court of Justice's jurisdiction. Thai lawmakers have acknowledged that negotiations are inevitable, urging a diplomatic reset for the sake of border communities. The standoff threatens regional stability and has intensified domestic political crises, particularly in Thailand.