Thailand - Cambodia, Good neighbour enables hassle-free border crossings for returnees

[geovalin]

O’SMACH, Oddar Meanchey – Cambodians of all ages and sexes, crossing illegally or through international border checkpoints to return to Cambodia from Thailand, were accorded all pleasantries and assistance from the Thai border security officials. Before the onset of COVID-19, when borders were open for legal crossing, illegal entries into Cambodia or Thailand were viewed seriously and trespassers were detained, prosecuted or even charged.

 

However, since December 21, 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand had a sudden spike to several hundred cases a day and deaths being reported, Cambodian migrant workers with their family members in tow, started fleeing Thailand. Due to humanitarian grounds, Thai border security officials have been cordial, cooperative and even went out of their way to assist the returning Cambodians.

 

Ambassador of Thailand to Cambodia, Mr Panyarak Poolthup, when commenting to Khmer Times on this matter explained that Thailand and Cambodia share around 800 kilometres of border that has developed into peaceful and prosperous trading towns and truly represents the centre of Thai-Cambodian relations.

 

read more https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50811785/good-neighbour-enables-hassle-free-border-crossings-for-returnees/