Thai-Cambodian Border in Surin Closed

The Chong Jom border pass in Surin province is temporarily closed in the aftermath of a clash between troops of Thailand and Cambodia on disputed territory.

Custom Department Director General Prasong Poonthanet stated that his department has ordered the closure of the Chong Jom border pass in Surin province for an indefinite period due to safety concern while trade activities at other border passes continue as usual.

The border will be reopened when security agencies give the go-ahead.

Prasong noted that security officials have been instructed to be on their toes and closely monitor the situation to ensure security at the border pass.

The Customs Department chief affirmed that the border closure will not affect his department's revenue collection as the amount of revenue collected at the Chong Jom border pass is small.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-07

Very odd that they keep closing and opening this border, when it is the best part of 200 kilometers from the reported fighting area of Khao Phra Viihaar. The military must know something that is not being reported in the press.

this from the National News Bureau of Thailand

It is the only mention I have seen re Sa Kaeo (Aranyaprathet/PoiPet) being closed.

Can't understand why this would be the case it is a long way from Sisaket.

Appreciate if anyone can actually confirm

thanks

BANGKOK, 7 February 2011 (NNT)-Ministry of Labor Spokesman Sutham Nateetong has pleaded with employers of Cambodian workers in Thailand not to abuse them as tensions on the border escalated on fears it could lead to a riot.

Mr. Sutham asked employers to be aware that Cambodian have lawfully gained employment in Thailand and should be treated fairly. All kinds of abuse or hatred towards them would be considered inappropriate on a false belief that they are being lumped together with Cambodian soldiers merely for their shared nationality. Stresses may also trigger them to respond nagatively to their employers.

The recent clashes in Sisaket have affected Cambodian labors who regularly cross the border to make a living in Thailand as all of the three border check points in Sa Kaeo, Surin and Sisaket provinces have been closed. Those who remain unregistered in a migrant worker database in Thailand might be too afraid to reveal their nationality and may eventually refuse to register as a lawful worker in the Kingdom