The Thai military have closed eight checkpoints along the Cambodia-Thai border in Banteay Meanchey province, affecting citizens of both countries who cross the border each day to earn their livelihoods, Cambodian officials have said.

So Channary, police chief of Border Defence Unit 91, and Khuon Choeun, commander of Brigade 51’s Unit 515, which is stationed at the border, said that the checkpoints in Svay Chek and O’Chrov districts were closed on Monday.

Thai soldiers had informed them that the checkpoints were being closed to secure the area ahead of an unidentified military commander’s visit to the border yesterday, they said.

But by yesterday afternoon, officials said that the border checkpoints remained closed and that no commander had visited.

“The Thai commanders did not come. I am following up to look into this situation. Now [the checkpoints] have still not been opened,” Channary said.