Cambodia Calls For Opening New Border Checkpoint

[george]

Cambodia calls for opening of new border checkpoint

SI SA KET: -- Cambodia has called for the opening of a new border checkpoint which would link Thailand's Khun Han district in northeastern Si Sa Ket Province with Prea Pralai sub-district in Cambodia.

The request was announced today by Si Sa Ket Deputy Governor Suphakij Boonyarithiphong, who recently held talks with the deputy governor of Cambodia's Udon Meechai Province.

The checkpoint would link tambon Prea Pralai in the Cambodian Udon Meechai Province with Khun Han in Si Sa Ket Province, and would facilitate trade and tourism between the two countries.

Although Cambodia proposed the issue in the past, Thailand has been reluctant to take action, as the area in question is a wildlife conservation area and development of it would require legislative changes.

The Si Sa Ket authorities have also warned that roads in the area are poor, and that it would be beyond the capabilities of the provincial government to develop them.

Nonetheless, Mr. Suphakij said that he would forward Cambodia's request to the government for consideration.

--TNA 2005-06-22