SA KAEO — 30 April 2026, Tensions rose at the Khlong Luek border crossing in Aranyaprathet district after Cambodian authorities failed to open the gate for 635 Thai nationals to return home as previously agreed.
At about 12:00, Thai officials were left waiting as the handover was repeatedly delayed without explanation. Security forces, led by Maj. Gen. Benchapol Dechatiwong Na Ayutthaya, commander of the Burapha Task Force, had deployed personnel from the military, border patrol, immigration police and customs to prepare screening points at the Thai–Cambodian Friendship Bridge.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Thitthawat Suriyachai, deputy commander of Provincial Police Region 2, also inspected readiness and joined coordination meetings on receiving the group, who were due to be repatriated from Cambodia.
Reports said the situation grew increasingly strained throughout the morning as Cambodian immigration officials in Poipet kept the border gate closed, offering no reason for the delay, leaving the Thai nationals unable to cross as scheduled.
On the Thai side, authorities said they were fully prepared, with screening procedures, reception areas and security measures in place. However, all 635 Thais remained inside the Poipet immigration area, facing intense heat and uncertainty.
Thai security officials have sent representatives to negotiate with their Cambodian counterparts to expedite the reopening of the crossing, but no progress had been reported as of the afternoon.
Cambodian authorities had earlier said the group to be returned included 190 people accused of illegal border crossings without passports, six linked to online fraud complaints, and two with outstanding arrest warrants.
The handover was initially scheduled for 09:00, then delayed to 11:00 and later past 13:00, with no transfer taking place. Thai officials said they would continue to pursue a peaceful resolution through negotiations.
