Thai unrest shuts unofficial border crossings: Cambodia

[webfact]

Thai unrest shuts unofficial border crossings



CAMBODIA: -- Thai authorities ordered all unofficial border-crossing points in Banteay Meanchey province to be closed on Tuesday after the Thai army imposed nationwide martial law.

All official international crossing points, including the gates at Poipet, Malai and Boeung Trakourn, remain open, according to Banteay Meanchey Governor Korsum Saroeut, who said Thai officials had informed him of the mandated closures on Tuesday morning.

“Security measures have been increased on the Thai side of the border, and they added more forces,” he told the Post. “People who cross the border into Thailand need proper documents, such as border pass or passports to avoid problems.”

According to Saroeut, the local villagers and migrant workers who normally travel across the border unofficially – and illegally – through “corridor gates” would no longer be able to access those informal crossing areas.

Kham Vannak, commander of Border Infantry Police Unit 891 along the Thai border in Banteay Meanchey, confirmed that the corridor gates were closed yesterday.

“They did not say how long the closure will last,” he said, adding that his border police have barred villagers from crossing illegally due to security fears. “We at the Cambodian side have also strengthened our forces along the border and are closely monitoring the situation.”

At other official border checkpoints into Thailand, including in Battambang, Preah Vihear and Pailin, crossings proceeded as usual on Tuesday, though fewer corridor gates exist and informal workers cross in those provinces, according to officials.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/thai-unrest-shuts-unofficial-border-crossings/


-- Thai PBS 2014-05-22

[ggt]

"corridor gates"...unofficial boarder crossings...plenty of "tea-money"...to go around...allowing illegals to enter the country...this is Thailand...

[allan michaud]

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"corridor gates"...unofficial boarder crossings...plenty of "tea-money"...to go around...allowing illegals to enter the country...this is Thailand...

This is a joke story, surely? How can you officially close an unofficial border crossing. How can Thai's complain about illegal workers when your officials are letting them in. Pathetic country.

[ggt]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

"corridor gates"...unofficial boarder crossings...plenty of "tea-money"...to go around...allowing illegals to enter the country...this is Thailand...

This is a joke story, surely? How can you officially close an unofficial border crossing. How can Thai's complain about illegal workers when your officials are letting them in. Pathetic country.

I have met illegals working in this country...no papers at all...just pay at the "unofficial crossings" and they go back and forth to their home country...just like those with documentation...yes...it is all a bit surreal...