Sa Kaeo: The second day of maximum security measures at the border checkpoint has led to a significant decrease in the number of Thais crossing over to Poipet. Following an order by the Burapha Force that prohibits Thai casino workers from crossing into Poipet, the number of Thais crossing the border has dropped sharply.
According to Thai News Agency, the normally bustling area, where Thais queue to cross into Poipet, Cambodia, has seen a dramatic reduction. Typically filled with casino and entertainment venue workers as well as gamblers, the line would extend more than 2 kilometers. However, since the enforcement of the new security measures from 8:00 AM on June 17, Thais employed in Poipet's casinos and entertainment venues have been restricted from leaving the Kingdom at all border crossings in Sa Kaeo Province. This has caused the number of Thais crossing to the Poipet side to decrease from 4,000-5,000 daily to just 392 yesterday.
Observations show that some individuals crossing today are Laotians, many being laborers from Chanthaburi Province. With the Chanthaburi border checkpoint closed, these laborers travel to Sa Kaeo to stamp their passports and re-enter, allowing them to stay for another 60 days while awaiting an MOU signing. Thais with legitimate reasons to cross, such as having business or family in Poipet, are permitted to cross if they provide evidence proving non-involvement with gambling activities.
Concerns have been raised by Thai casino workers who are unable to travel to Poipet due to the current restrictions. They have expressed a desire for some relaxation of the measures, fearing the impact on their livelihoods. Meanwhile, Thai officials and media continue to monitor the situation closely, particularly whether the border will open as usual at 9:00 AM. Reports confirm that today the border opened as scheduled, with many entering the Thai side to complete errands or business by the 4:00 PM deadline set by the Burapha Force.
Additionally, reports from the Cambodian side indicate a rally in Phnom Penh to demonstrate patriotic power, although no such movement has been observed in Poipet, which lies adjacent to a deep canal in Thailand.