Thai-Cambodian Border Still Open For Visa Runners

[george]

Thai-Cambodian border situation normal despite diplomatic spat

SA KAEO: -- The Thai-Cambodian border situation in Thailand’s eastern provinces of Sa Kaeo and Chanthaburi remains normal, although some worried Cambodians have flocked to border markets in both Thai provinces to buy consumer goods due to fear of the checkpoints’ closure.

As Monday is Cambodian national day, many Cambodians crossed the Aranyaprathet checkpoint in Sa Kaeo to do their business at Ban Khlong Luek border market or Rong Kluea market in Thai territory, buying extra supplies such as vegetables, fruits and beverages.

However, Thai soldiers on the local site explained to tourists wanting to cross the border that the situation is still normal and there has been no decision to close the border.

Meanwhile, Chanthaburi Thai-Cambodian Border Trading Association chairman Isiwoot Tungkiat, said that the Khmer merchants crossed at the checkpoint for border trade in Chanthaburi’s Soi Dao district on Monday morning as usual.

However, following the two countries’ current diplomatic spat, less than 10 trucks carrying consumer goods crossed the border on Monday. Mr Isiwoot said this may be due to Cambodian traders deciding to order goods from Vietnam and China instead.

According to the chairman, there were usually several 10 trucks crossing the Chanthaburi checkpoint daily destined for the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh, which is an important market for Thailand’s border trade. Goods ordered by traders in Phnom Penh are valued at several hundred millions of baht monthly.

-- TNA 2009-11-09

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[george]

No political comments in this thread please! Only border crossing and security issues!

We follow the political situation in our News Clippings Subforum instead:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thailand-New...ppings-f18.html

Thanks

[ryladie99]

Hello and thank you very much..Let's watch and see. As I say the show must go on..

my take and opinion.

[thaimellow]

Border in Chom-Chom was yesterday open. And they said it will not be closed.

[gorshar]

So basically there is no story and probably never will be.

Even after the 2003 riots in Phnom Penh when the borders were "closed", they in fact remained open to non-Thais and non-Cambodians for passage. Made for some of the quietest most peaceful trips through Poipet ever....

[z21rhd]

Friend doing his 'Non O' 3 months crossing at PuSing was asked to pay entry tax of 100 baht on return by Thai Immigration = refused to pay - no further demand made; proceeded home.

[oevna]

I will be going to Cambodia from Thailand (probably by air) at the end of the year for New Year's Eve. I know that with the way the political situation changes with the wind these days it's pretty much impossible to know for sure, but do you think there is a chance that borders between the two countries might close in the near future? I hope to be able visit Cambodia, but I hope even more that I will be able to leave Cambodia afterwards! My flights into the region are through Bangkok, although if necessary I can return to Thailand from Cambodia overland.

Regards,

-o

EDIT - I unintentionally quoted another poster (quote deleted).

[Geekfreaklover]

I fail to see what either country could hope to achieve from a border closure. Unless I missing something somewhere? The result would be a negative reaction for both countries.

[lopburi3]

I would not count on being able to cross overland if the borders are closed. That said there is no reason now to believe they will be and such actions when they occur are normally of short duration.

[oevna]

I would not count on being able to cross overland if the borders are closed. That said there is no reason now to believe they will be and such actions when they occur are normally of short duration.

You mention specifically closing overland border crossings. What about immigration at the airport?

Thanks.

[mythBuster]

I fail to see what either country could hope to achieve from a border closure. Unless I missing something somewhere? The result would be a negative reaction for both countries.

You do not miss anything at all. You are spot on.

[lopburi3]

My post was to someone who seemed to believe the land crossing would not be closed - we do not know that anything will be closed. But it is something to be aware could happen without warning under the current conditions.

[caf]

And Cambodians are still crossing the border each day to work - see Thai television.

Where do you get accurate news in this country?

[gorshar]

but do you think there is a chance that borders between the two countries might close in the near future?

I would not count on being able to cross overland if the borders are closed.

I guess my first post was missed or ignored. Even in 2003 when the land borders were "closed", note intentional use of quotations, nationals of nations other than Thailand and Cambodia were still permitted to pass through as normal despite numerous unsubstantiated reports to the contrary. I have the stamps in my passport and the photos of a deserted Poipet border to prove it. The border was closed to commerce and locals, but never to non-Thais and Cambodians. And air travel between the nations was never affected so nobody, even Thai or Cambodian was actually "stuck'.

[george]

Soldiers, locals at Thai-Cambodian border in high spirits

NAKHON RATCHASIMA: -- The Thai-Cambodian border situation in Thailand’s northeastern province of Si Sa Ket near Preah Vihear temple remains normal, while soldiers and local residents are in high spirits despite some heightened tensions from the diplomatic spat.

According to Thailand's 2nd Army Region commander, Lt-Gen Weewalit Jornsamrit, there have been no incidents regarding the two neighbouring countries that would lead to violence or the use of arms.

Local residents of both countries also continued their daily activities along the border in Kantharalak district as usual.

Gen Weewalit said the Thai army chief, Gen Anupong Paochinda, receives regular updates on the situation.

As for Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen ordering troop redeployments from the Thai-Cambodian border near Preah Vihear temple, Gen Weewalit said he was following up on the issue. However, the Thai troops there have not been withdrawn.

Mr Hun Sen said earlier that the situation along the border is normal, quiet and he decided to withdraw the paratroop unit assigned to Preah Vihear to its camp and expects to complete the withdrawal in one week.

The 2nd Army Region commander also confirmed that relations between high-ranking Thai and Cambodian officials are good, following their last meeting.

-- TNA 2009-11-09

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[thetravellingcat]

so... this is non-news then or was the boarder supposed to be closed by now? surely relations aren't that fraught? as mentioned above closing either side would just result in bad vibes.

[oevna]

but do you think there is a chance that borders between the two countries might close in the near future?

I would not count on being able to cross overland if the borders are closed.

I guess my first post was missed or ignored. Even in 2003 when the land borders were "closed", note intentional use of quotations, nationals of nations other than Thailand and Cambodia were still permitted to pass through as normal despite numerous unsubstantiated reports to the contrary. I have the stamps in my passport and the photos of a deserted Poipet border to prove it. The border was closed to commerce and locals, but never to non-Thais and Cambodians. And air travel between the nations was never affected so nobody, even Thai or Cambodian was actually "stuck'.

Relax Gorshar, my post was submitted only 15 minutes after yours. I was probably still editing it when you submitted yours.