The reescalation of conflict was sparked on May 28, when a Cambodian soldier was killed in an early morning clash between both nations’ troops, in an area called the Emerald Triangle—the shared border between Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. The area remains disputed as both Thailand and Cambodia lay claims to parts of the region.

Vorn Pov, president of the Independent Association of Informal Economics, said the border closures and restricted hours have badly impacted poor people, especially those involved in transporting and selling vegetables in Thailand. “They are already in deep poverty, and the fresh problems will make their situation worse,” he said.

Cambodia has delivered a letter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) requesting it to rule on the demarcation of disputed border areas with Thailand.