Sa Kaeo: The governor of Sa Kaeo has addressed concerns and confirmed that there will be no closure of the Ban Khlong Luek checkpoint, amid widespread panic and confusion among Thai and Cambodian nationals. The commotion ensued as rumors circulated about a potential temporary closure of the border crossing. According to Thai News Agency, chaos erupted at the Ban Klong Luek permanent border crossing in Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province, around 12:30 p.m. Rumors suggested that authorities were planning to shut the border crossing between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. This led to a rush of people from both sides of the border attempting to cross over, seeking clarity and causing a tense and confusing atmosphere. The Sa Kaeo governor personally visited the site to dispel these rumors and reassured the public that there had been no orders to close the checkpoint. He emphasized that the border's operational hours remain unchanged, adhering to the previously announced schedule set by the Burapha Force, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. In a related development, sources from Cambodian security reported that the Poipet administration has terminated internet signals connecting to Thailand. This move is speculated to be part of efforts to control information and communication in the border region. The situation at the Ban Laem checkpoint added to the tensions. At 10:45 a.m., the Cambodian side unexpectedly shut the checkpoint gate in Bueng Rang Subdistrict, Krom Riang District, Battambang Province, leaving numerous vehicles and traders stranded. Thai officials were unaware of this sudden closure, but continued to allow passage on their side. By 11:10 a.m., Cambodian authorities reopened pedestrian crossings briefly, allowing Cambodians waiting to cross back into their country, but indicated another closure was imminent. Reports from the Cambodian Immigration at the Chong Dong border crossing highlighted ongoing coordination challenges. Cambodian immigration officials met with Thai counterparts at the Chanthaburi Immi gration checkpoint, but were unable to provide a definitive timeline for reopening the Ban Laem crossing. They stated that any decision would require instructions from the central government.
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