Thailand opens new border crossing with Cambodia to boost trade

The Thai government announced the opening of a new permanent border crossing between Thailand and Cambodia, alongside extending the operating hours of an existing checkpoint. These measures aim to bolster trade and tourism relations between the two nations.

The Royal Gazette published two announcements from the Ministry of Interior, which were signed by Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra, and Anutin Charnvirakul, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. These announcements, issued yesterday, October 30, are expected to enhance the relationship between Thailand and Cambodia, aiming to facilitate trade and tourism between the two countries.

The first announcement concerns the opening of the permanent border crossing at the Thai-Cambodian Friendship Bridge (Nong Ian-Stung Bot) in Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo province.

This crossing, located opposite Stung Bot in Poi Pet, Banteay Meanchey, Cambodia, operates daily from 6am to 10pm. The new checkpoint is set to alleviate congestion at the Ban Khlong Luek or Aranyaprathet checkpoint, thus supporting the transport of goods and increasing trade and tourism in the border area.

A second announcement details the extension of operating hours for the Chong Sa-ngam border crossing in Phu Sing district, Si Sa Ket province, which lies opposite Chong Chom in Anlong Veng district, Oddar Meanchey province, Cambodia.

This checkpoint will now be open from 7am to 10pm every day, adding two extra hours to its previous schedule of 7am to 8pm. This extension acknowledges the increasing economic activities at the Chong Sa-ngam border crossing, driven by growing trade.

Traisulee Traisoranakul, spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior sees the move to open a new checkpoint and increase the hours of operation as indicative of the growth of trade and tourism between Thailand and its neighbour Cambodia, reported KhaoSod.

“The opening of the new permanent border crossing, along with extending the current operational hours of both checkpoints, reflects the growth in trade and tourism between Thailand and Cambodia.

“This necessitates the expansion of infrastructure capabilities. These efforts further promote bilateral relations and cooperation in all aspects, ultimately benefiting the people of both countries in the long term.”

The new measures are expected not only to improve logistical efficiency and trade volume but also to foster stronger cultural and social connections between the neighbouring countries. Both nations stand to gain from these developments, as they aim to create a more integrated and collaborative regional environment.