With tensions continuing to rise between Thailand and Cambodia, Thailand’s telecom regulator has ordered all domestic internet and mobile service providers to suspend connectivity to Cambodia. The strict measure imposed by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), is part of the government’s national effort to disrupt call-centre scam networks operating from Cambodian border towns.
The decision follows a high-level meeting between Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and NBTC deputy secretary-general Trairat Viriyasirikul, who is also acting secretary-general of the NBTC Office. Trairat said the agency is “stepping up efforts to support the government’s crackdown on online scams by cutting off the gangs’ access to Thai mobile and internet services.”
New measures target SIMs, broadband, and cell tower signals
As part of a three-pronged strategy, the NBTC will first coordinate with customs checkpoints to prohibit the export of Thai SIM cards into Cambodia. Telecom operators must also provide the NBTC with detailed user data on SIM cards registered near the border.
Secondly, all broadband internet connections to Cambodia have been ordered suspended. Providers must now submit the names of their Cambodian counterparts and report internet usage figures. Any operator seeking to resume service will need prior approval from the NBTC Office.
Thirdly, the NBTC will inspect signal towers in six border provinces—Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, Trat, Si Sa Ket, Surin, and Buri Ram—to ensure mobile signals do not extend across the Cambodian border. NBTC officials stressed that these restrictions will not affect Thai residents in border areas. The regulator also confirmed that military posts would retain access to mobile and internet services to support their operations.
All cross-border internet providers suspend services
According to the NBTC, 14 Thai internet providers licensed to operate across the Cambodian border have now suspended all services. These include National Telecom Plc, True Internet Corporation, Symphony Communication Plc, Advanced Wireless Network Co Ltd, Interlink Telecom Plc, and others. Any future cross-border telecom business must be reviewed and approved by the NBTC, which will assess the purpose, risk, and scope of activity before granting permission.
Operators are also now required to report SIM card sales and usage every 15 days, and any business agreements involving Cambodian clients must be submitted for review.
Thai government links crackdown to national security
The NBTC’s action is part of a broader campaign led by the Thai government to dismantle cybercrime operations. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Paetongtarn said the government’s crackdown had already caused scam gangs operating in Cambodia to lose up to 30 billion baht in income.
“The greater their income loss is, the safer our people are,” she stated, citing the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, which described Cambodia as one of the world’s largest cybercrime hubs.
Paetongtarn also announced further national security steps, including restrictions on cross-border movement, limits on Cambodian arrivals, a halt to exports of fuel and other supplies, and disconnection of internet access to Cambodia’s military and security networks.
Cybercrime cases fall, but regional cooperation remains limited
Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, inspector-general of the Royal Thai Police, said that the internet blackout and tightened border measures have already contributed to a decline in reported cybercrime cases.
However, he acknowledged the lack of coordination from Cambodian authorities. “In the past, we barely received any cooperation from Cambodia to crack down on scams,” he said. He noted that Cambodian police had not reached out since the border tensions escalated in late May.
Investigations continue into Huione Group, a Cambodian financial entity sanctioned by the United States in May as a “primary money laundering concern.” Thai cyber police have linked the company to large sums of money allegedly flowing from online gambling and scam operations. Reports also suggest authorities are examining a possible connection to a relative of Cambodian political figure Hun Sen.
Army blocks Thai workers from entering Poipet casinos
Alongside the telecommunications crackdown, the Royal Thai Army has imposed a ban on Thai citizens crossing into Cambodia’s Poipet township to work in casinos, gambling dens, and entertainment venues. The order took effect at 8am on 17 June 2025 and was issued by Maj Gen Benchapol Dechatiwong na Ayutthaya, commander of the Burapa Task Force.
The army cited safety concerns as the main reason for the decision, following a deadly military clash near the tri-border area on 28 May that resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier. In a written directive, the Royal Thai Army said: “RTA tightens control measures at Thai-Cambodian border crossings in Sa Kaeo Province, prohibiting Thai employees of gambling dens, casinos, and all types of entertainment venues from leaving the Kingdom of Thailand as of 08:00 hours today.”
This restriction, combined with earlier Thai government measures introduced on 8 June—such as reduced checkpoint hours and a ban on cross-border travel for tourism and gambling—has significantly impacted businesses in Poipet, where Thai nationals make up a major portion of the casino workforce and visitor base.
Casino operator Donaco sees sharp fall in footfall and bookings
Donaco International Ltd, the operator of the Star Vegas casino, reported a 62% drop in average daily headcount and a 42% decline in hotel occupancy since the travel restrictions began. The company attributed these figures to the halt in cross-border tourism and the employment ban affecting Thai nationals.
Donaco warned that the decline in activity is expected to negatively affect the property’s performance for June. The disruption highlights the vulnerability of border-based gaming operations to regional political developments. The company said it continues to monitor the situation and will update shareholders as appropriate.
Tensions trace back to deadly May 28 clash
The current border and cyber crackdown stem from a deadly incident on May 28, when Thai and Cambodian troops exchanged fire at the tri-border area where Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos meet. One Cambodian soldier was killed. Since then, diplomatic relations have deteriorated sharply, with both countries introducing economic and cross-border restrictions.
Cambodia responded by banning petroleum exports to Thailand, while Thailand has taken steps to halt tourism flows, suspend casino access, and now sever internet and telecom links.
