• Thailand has closed border crossings with Cambodia, prohibiting nearly all traffic.
• Exemptions exist for students and medical emergencies, leaving many tourists stranded.
• The closure follows a territorial dispute that escalated into military clashes.
• Both nations are implementing punitive measures against each other, affecting trade.
• Prime Minister Paetongtarn emphasizes the need for national unity amid the crisis.

Thailand's military has implemented strict border controls, closing crossings with Cambodia in seven provinces, impacting all but essential travel amid escalating tensions over a territorial dispute. These closures affect foreigners and Thais alike, preventing tourists from accessing popular entry points such as the Aranyaprathet-Poipet crossing. The situation exacerbated following military clashes last month, which resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier, heightening the conflict between the two nations, according to Channel News Asia and Reuters.

The military's action leaves many currently at checkpoints stranded, including both tourists and Cambodian workers. For instance, around 50 Cambodian vendors found themselves unable to return home due to the sudden closure, raising concerns regarding the humanitarian implications of the restrictions. Riot police were reported to be stationed at the Ban Khlong Luek checkpoint in Sa Kaeo province, adding to the confusion as travelers faced unexpected obstacles, as highlighted by BBC and Bangkok Post.

Concurrently, Cambodian authorities have begun retaliatory measures, including halting imports of Thai fuel and agricultural products, and even banning Thai entertainment content. These actions stem from the ongoing deterioration in bilateral relations, historically rooted in territorial disputes dating back to the early 20th century, according to TRT Global and Channel News Asia.

Amidst this turmoil, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has called for measures to support those impacted. During a cabinet meeting, she emphasized the need for national unity and stability while addressing potential threats from cross-border crime, which underscores the seriousness of the military's heightened border controls. Her comments suggest an awareness of the broader repercussions this dispute may have on Thailand’s economy and tourism, which are already feeling the strain of the crisis, as explained by Bangkok Post and Channel News Asia.