Thailand has imposed travel restrictions on people entering Cambodia amid rising border tensions, including a ban on tourists flying to Siem Reap. The move follows deadly clashes and retaliatory trade bans by Cambodia. Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra also vowed to crack down on Cambodian scam networks. A leaked call with Cambodia's ex-leader has sparked political fallout, weakening her government.

Thailand has introduced new restrictions on all travellers heading into Cambodia amid an ongoing and escalating border dispute between the two neighbouring countries.

The ban affects both individuals and vehicles attempting to cross into Cambodia via various checkpoints located across several Thai provinces. It also extends to foreign tourists flying into Cambodia’s popular destination, Siem Reap. In a statement issued on Monday, the Thai military explained that the newly imposed restrictions are in line with the prevailing security conditions.

Relations between Thailand and Cambodia have deteriorated to their lowest point in over a decade following armed clashes along the border in May, which resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier. Since then, both nations have implemented retaliatory actions. Cambodia, in response, has banned a wide range of Thai imports, including fruit, vegetables, electricity, and internet services, as well as Thai dramas and films.

Thai authorities noted that exemptions to the travel ban may be granted on humanitarian grounds—such as for students or patients seeking medical treatment—subject to the discretion of checkpoint officials. The military further stated that the restrictions would help combat illegal scam operations that are reportedly active in Cambodia.

On Monday, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra pledged to intensify efforts against scam networks operating in Cambodia. She announced a series of measures, including the suspension of internet services used by Cambodian security agencies. The Prime Minister also confirmed that foreign tourists would be prohibited from flying from Thailand to Siem Reap.

Thailand has previously enacted similar restrictions against Myanmar, another neighbouring country that hosts widespread scam networks exploiting thousands of foreign nationals.

The ongoing dispute with Cambodia has triggered a political crisis for Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's administration. This follows the release of a leaked phone conversation between her and Cambodia’s former leader, Hun Sen. In the recording, Paetongtarn referred to Hun Sen as "uncle" and dismissed a Thai military commander as someone "just wanting to look cool."

While Paetongtarn defended her remarks as a negotiation strategy, critics argued that she had undermined the authority of Thailand's politically powerful military. The controversy has already had political consequences, prompting a key coalition partner to withdraw from her ruling Pheu Thai party alliance.

Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia are deeply rooted, stretching back over a century to the period when national borders were delineated following the French colonial occupation of Cambodia.