Pakistan, June 24 -- BANGKOK - Thailand has imposed strict land border restrictions, blocking tourists from crossing into Cambodia as tensions rise between the two Southeast Asian neighbors. The move comes in response to a deadly border clash on May 28 that left one Cambodian soldier dead in a disputed area, further straining diplomatic ties between the countries.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced on Monday that Thailand would only allow essential travelers - such as students, medical patients, and people buying necessary goods - to cross the border. She stated the decision mainly targets tourists heading to Cambodia's well-known casinos, though the restrictions appear to affect all non-essential travelers.

Later in the da...