Until the Khmer Rouge disrupted neighbouring Cambodia in 1975, Aranyaprathet was a stop on the railroad connecting Bangkok with the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh.

In addition to being on a major trade route, the border sees much tourist activity as it is on the road between Bangkok and Siem Reap, the town nearest Angkor Wat.

Despite gambling being illegal in both Thailand and Cambodia, the Cambodian government has granted concessions for casinos to be built at many of its land crossings.

Poipet's proximity to Bangkok (3-5 hrs by road) has made it the most popular of these border casino areas.

[citation needed] Aranyaprathet is divided into 13 sub-districts (tambons), which are further subdivided into 114 administrative villages (mubans).