Stranded Cambodians in Si Sa Ket finally allowed to cross border

Against the background of simmering border tensions, and after hours of negotiation, about 100 Cambodians, who had been stranded in Phu Sing district of Thailand’s Si Sa Ket province, following the closure of the Chong Sa-ngam border crossing, have finally been allowed to return home.

The pass, which lies opposite the Choam checkpoint in Cambodia’s Anlong Veng district in Oddar Meanchey province, had been closed by both countries.

Initially, Thai military personnel stationed at the site attempted to negotiate with the governor of Oddar Meanchey, seeking permission for the stranded Cambodians to cross the border.

The request was, however, rejected by Cambodian authorities, and the stranded Cambodians engaged in a noisy argument with officials guarding the border gate.

They were instructed to travel to the Chong Chom checkpoint in Surin province, currently the only open permanent border crossing.

Dozens of vehicles and container trucks were also left waiting at the crossing.

Eventually, Cambodian authorities reversed their decision, allowing the Cambodians and the trucks to pass through the checkpoint.

At the Chong Chom checkpoint, located in Kap Choeng district and opposite the O’Smach checkpoint in Samraong district of Oddar Meanchey province, border officials opened the gates at 9am, to allow Cambodians to return home.

Additionally, 40 to 50 trucks carrying cassava, which had been stranded on the Cambodian side since Friday, were allowed to cross back into Thailand.