On border, crossings open again

[geovalin]

Phak Seangly

With no fanfare or warning, two of Banteay Meanchey’s smaller checkpoints reopened yesterday for the first time since the Thai coup on May 22.

All six checkpoints in Thmar Puok district were closed after the Thai junta took power, but over the past month have subsequently been reopened one or two at a time.

The district’s last closed checkpoint, Prasat Tbeng, was reopened yesterday, according to Thmar Puok District Governor Blek Vary.

Svay Chek district’s Chamkar Kor checkpoint was also reopened.

“It is difficult for us, because the Thai authorities close or open the border on their own. We are not informed,” said provincial deputy police chief Sam Chith. “We don’t know why it is some days open and some days closed.”

Just over 40 of the province’s 53 checkpoints have been reopened, and at each, officials are instructed to take precautions against illegal border crossings.

http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/border-crossings-open-again