Tensions Rise at Sa Kaeo Border as Cambodia Refuses to Release 635 Thai Citizens as Scheduled
Cambodia blocked the release of 635 Thai citizens at the Sa Kaeo border crossing on April 30, refusing to open gates despite prior agreement and leaving returnees stranded in the heat at Poipet immigration facility.
At noon on April 30, reporters at the Klong Luek border crossing in Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province, witnessed tense and chaotic scenes after Cambodian authorities refused to open the border gates for 635 Thai citizens to return home as agreed in previous negotiations.
Cambodian officials repeatedly postponed the operation without explanation, leaving Thai authorities waiting from morning through afternoon with no progress. Thai officials, led by Border Guard Police commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Banchapol Dechatvongsa Na Ayutthaya, mobilized rangers, immigration police, provincial police, customs officials, and other relevant agencies. They established screening checkpoints on the Thai-Cambodia Friendship Bridge, while Deputy Regional Police Commander Pol. Lt. Gen. Thitivat Suriyachai personally inspected preparations and coordinated the reception plan for all 635 returnees.
Tensions escalated throughout the morning as Poipet immigration officials refused to open the border without providing any explanation, preventing all Thai citizens from leaving as scheduled. Thai authorities on their side had made complete preparations, including setting up reception points, conducting proper screening procedures, and ensuring security with numerous personnel to facilitate the smooth return of all Thais. However, all 635 Thai nationals remained stranded within the Poipet immigration facility amid extreme heat and uncertain circumstances.
Latest efforts saw Thai security representatives negotiating with their Cambodian counterparts to expedite the border opening, but Cambodian authorities have not responded or shown progress. Previously, Cambodia had committed to returning 635 Thai detainees, including 190 illegal border crossers without passports, six individuals with online crime cases, and two wanted persons.
According to the original schedule, the transfer was set for 9:00 AM, then postponed to 11:00 AM, and ultimately pushed past 1:00 PM with no transfer occurring. Thai officials, fully prepared and positioned at the border, remain committed to pursuing diplomatic negotiations to resolve the impasse.
