Thai casino workers banned from crossing border into Cambodia
Restrictions in Sa Kaeo took effect today.
Thailand.- Major general Benchapol Dechatiwong na Ayutthaya, commander of the Sa Kaeo-based Burapa Task Force, has reportedly banned Thai citizens from crossing the Thai-Cambodian border in the eastern province of Sa Kaeo to work at casinos in Poipet township. According to Bangkok Post, the order took effect today (June 17) amid tensions on the border.
Restrictions including reduced hours were introduced at the Aranyaprathet-Poipet border checkpoint on June 8 after a brief military clash on May 28 and bilateral talks on June 14 failed to reach a resolution. Thailand also banned Thai nationals from crossing for non-essential travel, such as for tourism and gambling. Working at casinos has now been added to the list.
Donaco International has reported that the restrictions at the Thailand-Cambodia border have had an impact on its DNA Star Vegas casino in Poipet near the border. Star Vegas has observed a 62 per cent reduction in the average daily headcount and a 42 per cent reduction in daily hotel occupancy since the measures were imposed.
“This trend is expected to impact Star Vegas’ profits for the month of June. While both governments have expressed commitments to resolving the border tensions, management will continue to monitor the situation closely and update shareholders as appropriate,” the company said.
