Preah Vihear Border Crossing Officially Reopened

[george]

Preah Vihear officially reopened

SI SA KET: -- Tension along the Thai-Cambodian border eased yesterday after the two countries officially agreed to reopen the Preah Vihear border crossing, ending weeks of dispute during which Thai tourists have been unable to access the Khmer monument.

The groundbreaking deal was agreed yesterday during a meeting between Si Sa Ket Governor Thanom Songserm and Preah Vihear Governor Preap Tann.

Tension on the border erupted on 13 May, when Cambodia ordered the closure of the monument in response to Thai troop mobilizations.

Since then, the two sides had been unable to reach an agreement on the reopening.

Speaking after a meeting in which the atmosphere was remarkably devoid of tension, Mr. Preap said that Phnom Penh was willing to reopen the Preah Vihear checkpoint to allow tourist access, and would relocate the occupants of the mountainous border region whom Thailand has accused of causing wastewater problems.

He also confirmed that Cambodia wanted to open a new checkpoint at Ta Thao for the benefit of cross-border trade.

The decision was accepted by the Si Sa Ket governor, who said that he would take the Ta Thao proposal to the government, but also urged Cambodia to continue to address the wastewater issue as a matter of urgency.

The decision means that Preah Vihear is now officially reopen for tourist access, a move that will be welcomed by the Thai and Cambodian traders in the area, who have lost a huge amount of income during the month-long closure.

--TNa 2005-06-09