Thailand-Cambodia Border Reopens

The border between Buri Ram in Thailand and Oddar Meanchey has reopened, allowing Cambodians and Thais to travel freely between the two countries
A photo of Poipet Poipet international border, a gateway to both Cambodia and Thailand. Kiripost/Meas Molika
A photo of Poipet Poipet international border, a gateway to both Cambodia and Thailand. Kiripost/Meas Molika

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The Thai province of Buri Ram and Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province officially reopened the border on Tuesday.

According to a Bangkok Post report, the two border towns of Sai Taku and Chup Koki have opened after both countries agreed to upgrade the relationship to "permanent status".

Chief of Thailand’s Ban Kruat district, Boontem Kalayapanich, said that border trade suffered during the virus outbreaks, which forced the crossing to close in 2020.

Oddar Meanchey Deputy Governor, Dy Rado, told Kiripost on Wednesday that the borders are now open seven days a week. In October 2022, they were only open five days a week after being closed in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The decision to reopen the borders was made after Thai and Cambodian authorities discussed the matter several times. Rado said there is a high number of Cambodians who go to Thailand for health checks, promoting the move.

He added that the reopening of the borders will make it more convenient for businesses to import and export goods between the two countries.

In addition, people will still be able to travel and import or export fruits and food through other Cambodian borders near Thailand, such as the Choam international checkpoint near Si Sa Ket province, Thailand, and the O Smach international border, which borders Surin province.

"At the same time, Chup Koki is ready for international travel, but Sai Taku has not yet been opened for international travel. So, Cambodia must understand Thailand while they have some internal challenges on their side," Rado added.