Unofficial Border with Thailand Crossings Closed

[geovalin]

Interior Minister Sar Kheng yesterday ordered authorities to close all unauthorized entry points along the Cambodia-Thailand border to prevent illegal immigration and imports, while also suggesting the two nations open more legal checkpoints along their shared border. In remarks during a meeting about the management of abnormal flows of illegal migrants through Banteay Meanchey province, Mr. Kheng acknowledged the significant rise in the number of illegal migrants now entering Thailand through unauthorized border crossings, often smuggling goods.

Illegal Cambodian migrants face a number of issues once in Thailand, including human trafficking, labor exploitation, torture and violence, Mr. Kheng said. “Tens of thousands of workers do not obtain a passport so they cannot request work permits and living permits which exposes them to problems. At this point, all relevant authorities must take action and work with Thai authorities,” he added, before suggesting authorities from both nations cooperate in policing unauthorized border crossings and stopping human traffickers.

“We are all clear that the illegal import of smuggled products and migrant workers would not go through unauthorized checkpoints if they were strictly controlled. Let’s just close them and open bigger checkpoints,” Mr. Kheng said. Almost 70,000 Cambodian migrant workers were deported from Thailand through the Poipet international checkpoint in Banteay Meanchey province last year, with the daily average being about 200, according to Poipet checkpoint Immigration Police chief Sim Sam Ath.

read more http://www.khmertimeskh.com/news/27697/unofficial-border-crossings-closed/

[visarunner]

since years they are talking about opening new check points. AFAIK only one will open soon in Surin province.

All the others, closer to Poi Pet, are "under planning".

If both sides really want they can open a check point within a few month, as most unofficial check points can be easily upgraded.

All of them are operating for small local trade, but no official Immigration and/or Custom procedure are implemented there.

There are at least 5-7 small places which can be upgraded.

I am so tired of BS.

Beginning July there was a big meeting in Prachin Buri between all parties (Thai & Cambodian), so it just takes a few calls and "signatures"

and all could be set up and by year end (2016) all could be put in operation.

[phuketrichard]

legalizing illegal border crossings means loss of income to the border police and officials stationed at these illegal crossings

sooooo, wont happen.

Edited July 27, 2016 by phuketrichard

[bark]

Please do not say that they take bribes at the illegal borders.