Thailand Tightens Cambodian Border Controls

SA KAEO, June 23 (TNA) – Thailand today enacted stricter security measures along its border with Cambodia, prohibiting motorcycles, sidecars, and pushcarts from entering at several key checkpoints and limiting access to pedestrian traffic only.

The new rules, enforced by the Burapha Task Force since 5:00 AM on June 23, aim to bolster security and curb illegal activities.

At the Ban Khlong Luek checkpoint in Sa Kaeo province, Thai officials immediately halted vehicles attempting to cross, leading to confusion among Cambodian commuters.

Cambodian officials sought clarification, claiming they had no prior notice.

Despite initial disarray, Thai and Cambodian authorities later reached an amicable understanding, confirming that vehicles must be parked on the Cambodian side, with individuals proceeding on foot. The situation eventually stabilized under joint oversight.

Meanwhile, at the Chong Chom checkpoint in Surin, cassava trucks stranded in Cambodia since Friday began re-entering Thailand. Uncertainty lingered for trucks attempting to cross into Cambodia, fearing potential border closures. Conversely, numerous Cambodian citizens continued to cross into Thailand to purchase daily necessities at the Chong Chom border market, a practice spanning over two decades. -819 (TNA)