4 more border checkpoints with Burma

BANGKOK: -- In a bid to boost cross-border trade with Burma, the government will support the opening of four more border checkpoints next year.

They will be at Huay Ton Nun, Mae Hong Son/Shan State: Ban Nam Khao, Kanchanaburi/Tavoy; Three Pagodas Pass, Kanchanaburi/Taya Thon Zu; and Dan Singkhon, Prachuap Khiri Khan/My Eik.

Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn Ponlaboot yesterday said the government would open these checkpoints as soon as possible, in order to facilitate trade, investment and tourism between the two countries.

At present, there are only three checkpoints linking Thailand and Burma.

After meeting with ministers in Burma, Alongkorn also said both nations had agreed to support the construction of a friendship bridge connecting Tak's Mae Sot district with Burma.

The two nations will soon set up a subcommittee to identify an exact location and set up a construction schedule, he said.

Niyom Wairatpanij, chairman of the border-trade committee of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), said traders were greatly anticipating the opening of more checkpoints to facilitate trade and tourism.

"The Asean Free Trade Agreement will be fully implemented early next year, with tariffs on most Asean goods eliminated. More checkpoints will increase trade opportunities for Thai products," said Niyom.

In addition, after meeting with TCC representatives about its "micro action plan" aimed strengthening seven sectors plan, Alongkorn said the government would lend its full support.

The TCC and the Commerce Ministry have agreed to set up a Joint Public-Private Committee on Commerce, for cooperation in facilitating the plan.

The TCC last month came up with the micro action plan, aimed at strengthening the country's best products and most efficient services ahead of tougher competition that is expected once Asean becomes a seamless market by 2015.

The seven sectors are food and agriculture, gems and jewellery, textiles, healthcare and spas, construction, tourism and border trade.

TCC vice chairman Komson Opassathavorn said the chamber would discuss the plan tomorrow with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and that he expected full government support.

-- The Nation 2009-12-15

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Excellent Idea to engage in a constructive way.

Great news for anyone living in Kanchanaburi and doing border hops.

A crossing at Ban Khao would be very convenient but would need a major upgrade of the roads to the south west of Kan.

Mae Sot district already has a bridge connection it with Burma.

But Mae Sot is about 6 hours drive from Kan.

Three Pagoda Pass or Ban Khao would be alot more convenient.

There is a planned major upgrade of the road between Three Pagoda Pass and Kanchanaburi to improve the trade links with Burma but this will take a few years at best to be completed. Hopefully the upgrades to the border post will be completed before then.

On one of my border hops to Mae Sot earlier this year one of the Immigration Officers there told me about the planned upgrade of the Three Pagoda crossing for next year so really looks that it may be about to happen.

Edited December 15, 200916 yr by apetley

If it is really going to happen, it would be good news for Hua Hin based foreigners who have to do visa runs.