As tensions escalate along the border between Thailand and Cambodia, the Thai government has ordered all its citizens working in casinos in Cambodia to stay at home and prohibited them from going to casinos on the other side of the border for work or entertainment. This measure is a precaution amidst the ongoing escalation of conflicts between the two countries.
The conflict initially broke out on May 28 at the Thai-Cambodian border, where a Cambodian soldier was killed in a firefight, occurring along a part of the 820-kilometer land border that has been a long-standing dispute between the two nations. Since then, both sides have taken hostile actions: Thailand threatened to cut off electricity and internet services to Cambodia, particularly targeting illegal casinos and online scam centers; Cambodia, on the other hand, banned Thai media from reporting within its territory and suspended the transit of Thai fruits and vegetables.
Since June 8, the two countries have started to restrict the crossing times for individuals. The latest ban took effect on Tuesday morning at 8 AM, with the Royal Thai Army explicitly instructing all Thais working in the Cambodian gambling industry to stay at home and suspend cross-border work. Additionally, the Bangkok Post reported that all tourists traveling to Cambodia for entertainment, especially for gambling activities, are also prohibited from leaving the country.
This diplomatic conflict has directly impacted the gambling industry in Poipet, Cambodia. Located just three hours' drive from Bangkok, Poipet is a well-known "gambling town" on the Thai-Cambodian border, hosting eight casinos that are open only to foreigners. Data shows that up to 90% of these casinos' clientele are Thai day-trippers, with the remainder coming from China and Western countries.
The Star Vegas Casino in Poipet, operated by the Australian-listed company Donaco International, has been severely affected, with a 62% drop in casino foot traffic and a 42% decrease in hotel occupancy rates since the restrictions were implemented. The company, in its report to the Australian Stock Exchange, admitted that the current situation would impact the overall revenue performance for June and committed to continuously updating relevant information.
Although the border situation has not further deteriorated, Donaco stated that potential risks remain, especially with Thailand continuing to enforce cross-border restrictions.
In a bid for a peaceful resolution, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet recently called on the International Court of Justice to mediate via social media, stating that Cambodia "chooses international law and peaceful means" to handle the dispute. However, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has rejected this proposal, emphasizing that involving a third party in sensitive issues such as history and territory "may not preserve bilateral friendly relations." The deadlock between the two countries over sovereignty and security issues shows no clear signs of breakthrough.
