3rd Army Seals Off Mae Hong Sorn Border

[Jai Dee]

3rd Army seals off Mae Hong Sorn Border

The 3rd Army Area has ordered the closure of the Ban Huay Phiung (บ้านห้วยผึ้ง) border crossing area, citing the need to establish social order in the area to deter illegal laborers from crossing over.

The governor of Mae Hong Sorn province, Mr. Direk Kornkleep (ดิเรก ก้อนกลีบ), in his capacity as the director of the local border administrative center, has signed authorizations for the closure of the Ban Huay Phiung (บ้านห้วยผึ้ง) border crossing area in the province. The order will be effective January 24 onwards and was part of an urgent request from the Special Task Force of the 7th Infantry Battalion in Mae Hong Sorn province. Army officials cite the need to control border trade and counter the entry of illegal alien laborers.

Meanwhile the Chairman of the Mae Hong Sorn Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Poonsak Sunthornpanichakit (พูลศักดิ์ สุนทรพาณิชกิจ), revealed that he has not received notification of the border closing from Mae Hong Sorn authorities, adding that if the closure took place the local economy would definitely be affected.

Mr. Poonsak believes that Army officials would not close borders longer than was necessary.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 24 January 2007