Thai, Lao borders stay shut despite calls for reopening

[geovalin]

Thailand and Laos borders will remain closed to the Kingdom. The decision comes following talks with the countries’ officials regarding the reopening of borders to stimulate trade after months of stagnation due to the pandemic.

 

In a provincial hall statement released yesterday, Banteay Meanchey provincial governor Oum Reatrey said Thai authorities remain adamant in keeping the Poipet-Khlong Luk International Checkpoint – the most important border point shared by the two nations – closed for entry, including by Cambodian vendors. “[It] will remain closed and there is no official information to confirm whether when it will reopen,” the statement said.

 

However, it noted: “The Banteay Meanchey provincial governor and Thai authorities agreed in principle to allow 50 trucks, with each having no more than two people, to transport goods in and out of Rong Kluea border market.” Despite the leeway, the statement said the market which is located in Thailand’s Sa Kaeo province will only be open to the trucks from 8am to 1pm. Moreover, drivers of the trucks must observe instructions issued by health authorities to prevent any coronavirus transmission.

 

https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50737287/thai-lao-borders-stay-shut-despite-calls-for-reopening/

[steven100]

oh well , some truck are allowed .....  might be August before people are allowed. 

[bbi1]

With borders still closed, surely the 31st July amnesty will get extended.

[Proboscis]

3 hours ago, steven100 said:

oh well , some truck are allowed .....  might be August before people are allowed. 

Actually all trucks from Thailand and their drivers are allowed into Laos, subject to a temperature test. There are freight flights too, from Bangkok into Vientiane.

[khwaibah]

Big C in Surin is chocked blocked with Cambodian vehicles which are using Chong Chom.

 

 

Edited June 25, 2020 by khwaibah

[Burma Bill]

2 hours ago, khwaibah said:

Big C in Surin is chocked blocked with Cambodian vehicles which are using Chong Chom.

Interesting, but must be Cambodian business people stocking up for sale back home. Cross-border trade is allowed, as with all the lorries still crossing at Poi-Pet, but NO TOURISTS or EX-PATS (visa runs) as Tourist Visas ("e" type or port of entry) are NOT BEING ISSUED by Cambodian Immigration. Cambodia's border with Vietnam is now open but people must get another type of visa (business, ordinary etc.) as Tourist visas are not being issued to enter from Vietnam. Strict health regulations must be observed.

[AgMech Cowboy]

It is a poorly written "Headline" for the TVF, who are mostly reading it from our Thailand viewpoint. The Thai, Laos borders that is referring to is the Cambodia borders to both Countries. A better headline, Cambodian Borders Stay Shut Despite Calls for Reopening.

[khwaibah]

7 minutes ago, Burma Bill said:

Interesting, but must be Cambodian business people stocking up for sale back home. Cross-border trade is allowed, as with all the lorries still crossing at Poi-Pet, but NO TOURISTS or EX-PATS (visa runs) as Tourist Visas ("e" type or port of entry) are NOT BEING ISSUED by Cambodian Immigration. Cambodia's border with Vietnam is now open but people must get another type of visa (business, ordinary etc.) as Tourist visas are not being issued to enter from Vietnam. Strict health regulations must be observed.

Theses are  Cambodians that are being allowed to use Ruampaet Hospital in Surin most if not all are out of Oddar Meancheay Province of Cambodia. That province and Surin has a very long blood tie. The Governors of these two province were able to get the OK from BK to let them back in for medical care. BTW that hospital is not cheap as it is private. These people drive brand new trucks and cars. They load up the vehicle with family and after being checked in both O'Smach then Chong Chom off they go 70km up the 214 highway to the hospital THEN to load up at Big C and Makro. They will not shop at Tesco or Robison. BTW Thai or foreigner can not cross over. I live in Kap Choeng and very aware of what goes on. Even before the Corona Beer Flu we refused to go to Surin on a weekend due to the stamped of the Khmer hauling A-s-s up the highway and noway were you getting a parking spot at Big C. Could say a few more thing but need to keep it civil.???? Also residence of these two province only have to present their ID card to pass over but only can stay in the joining province for 3 days. Needles to say the local farangs are not happy.????

[Pilotman]

I take it that Laos Nationals stuck in Thailand are allowed to return to their home country?  Anyone can confirm? 

Edited June 25, 2020 by Pilotman

[Burma Bill]

1 hour ago, AgMech Cowboy said:

It is a poorly written "Headline" for the TVF, who are mostly reading it from our Thailand viewpoint. The Thai, Laos borders that is referring to is the Cambodia borders to both Countries. A better headline, Cambodian Borders Stay Shut Despite Calls for Reopening.

Yes it is confusing however Cambodia's border with Vietnam is now open but not for tourists as tourist visas are still not being issued by Cambodia.

[Deli]

I would not rely on that one. Bascially everybody had or has the possibilty to leave for his home country, if not qualifying for a valid Visa, which can be issued in the country.