A controversial new Cambodia casino has sparked a minor trade war with neighboring Thailand.

On April 7, the new Saitaku Resort and Casino had its soft opening in Cambodia’s Oddar Meancheay province, just across the border from Thailand’s Buriram region. Since Cambodian nationals are prohibited from gambling in Cambodian casinos, the new casino will depend almost exclusively on an influx of Thai gamblers.

Trouble is, Thai authorities barred their citizens from crossing over the Chong Sai Taku checkpoint to visit the casino. While 300 invited VIP guests were allowed to attend the casino opening, where Thai pop singers were on hand to provide entertainment, Thai border guards prevented non-invited guests from making the trip.

The Nation reported that the Thai guards were tight-lipped regarding the reason behind the restrictions, saying only that they were following orders. A Thai Army commander denied any special rules were in force, saying the military was simply following normal procedures by only allowing residents of the immediate vicinity to cross into Cambodia.