Thai Banks Close Branches Near Border Due to Intensifying Dispute with Cambodia
In the latest development on the Thailand-Cambodia border conflict, intense clashes have erupted since July 24, 2025, marking a significant escalation in a long-standing dispute. The conflict, with at least 34 fatalities (including civilians and soldiers on both sides), has occurred in multiple locations along the disputed border [1][3].
The diplomatic fallout has been swift, with both countries blaming each other for initiating the hostilities, and reciprocal ambassador recalls and border crossings closures [1][3]. The root of the conflict can be traced back to early 20th-century treaties and legal rulings around the Preah Vihear Temple area. However, the current escalation was triggered by recent landmine injuries to Thai soldiers and diplomatic expulsions [1][3].
The conflict has led to heightened military presence, and several banks have been impacted. The Thai Bankers' Association (TBA) has announced the temporary closure of 35 bank branches across seven provinces: Surin, Buriram, Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Trat [2]. The closures are aimed at ensuring the safety of customers, staff, and the public.
Bangkok Bank, Thai Bankers' Association, Siam Commercial Bank, Bank of Ayudhya, Thai Credit Retail Bank, Kasikornbank, and Krungthai Bank have all closed branches in various provinces [2]. Customers are advised to check banks' websites, social media channels, or call centers for updates and to use digital banking during this period [2].
Other branches and ATMs in high-risk areas may adjust hours to ensure safety. The TBA and its member banks have been closely monitoring the situation and have implemented emergency response measures [2].
The TBA has also offered support to affected areas and the military during this crisis [2]. It is reasonable to infer that Thai banks operating near the border or engaged in cross-border financial activities with Cambodia may face disruptions, such as disrupted client activity and economic slowdown in border provinces, increased operational risk and uncertainty for cross-border trade financing, and possible cautious investor sentiment affecting regional financial markets [1].
However, no explicit reports or official statements have linked this border conflict directly to serious disruptions or systemic risk in Thailand's banking operations as of the latest updates [1][3]. The Bank of Thailand and financial news reports will likely provide more detailed economic or banking sector analyses in the coming days as the situation develops.
| Aspect | Details | |-----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Conflict status | Renewed clashes since July 24, 2025, at least 34 deaths, escalation of longstanding border dispute | | Diplomatic impact | Ambassadors recalled, border crossings closed | | Military actions | Gunfire, shelling, and airstrikes mainly near Preah Vihear and other border points | | Impact on Thai banking | Temporary closure of 35 bank branches across seven provinces, increased operational risk, and potential disruptions |
For the latest updates and information, customers are encouraged to stay informed through their banks' official channels.
The temporary closure of bank branches in several Thai provinces, such as Surin, Buriram, and Trat, is a direct result of the escalating Thailand-Cambodia border conflict, which has impacted the business operations of banks like Bangkok Bank, Siam Commercial Bank, and Thai Bankers' Association. Additionally, the economic slowdown and increased operational risk in the border provinces could have a wider impact on regional financial markets, potentially influencing investor sentiment.
