Since July 2025, clashes have shut the gate at Thailand’s southernmost border checkpoint with Cambodia. Travel routes to Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh remain blocked, transforming a once-bustling hub into a modern ghost town.
Before the shutdown, hundreds of travelers and cargo trucks passed through daily, fueling cross-border trade and local tourism. Vendors, guesthouses and transport operators thrived on this steady flow. Now, silent checkpoints and empty stalls underscore the economic toll of the closure.
Local business owners describe sharp drops in income as goods pile up on both sides of the border. “We used to see a convoy of trucks every hour,” says a transport coordinator. “Now, the roads are empty and our orders are on hold.”
Tourism has also taken a hit. Adventurers aiming to explore the beaches of Sihanoukville or the temples of Phnom Penh have had to reroute through roads hundreds of kilometres longer, adding time and expense to their journeys.
As of December 2025, authorities on both sides have not announced a reopening date. The checkpoint remains sealed, a stark reminder of how quickly vibrant communities can be silenced when borders close. Travelers and traders alike are watching closely for updates, hoping that dialogue will soon restore the vital link.
Reference(s):
Thailand-Cambodia border closure turns once-busy town into ghost town
cgtn.com
