Chanthaburi: Cambodia's eastern border checkpoints have become strictly regulated, prohibiting the entry of vehicles carrying vegetables and fruits from entering the country. The border situation has intensified following Cambodia's ban on importing these goods from Thailand.
According to Thai News Agency, numerous border checkpoints in the eastern region, including Chanthaburi and Trat, continue to operate as usual. These checkpoints serve as main routes for transporting agricultural products from Thailand into Cambodia. However, only trucks carrying items other than vegetables and fruits are currently permitted to cross the border.
At the Ban Pakkat permanent border crossing in Chanthaburi Province, opposite Cambodia's Pailin Province, the checkpoint operates as the secondary gateway after Ban Laem. It is a crucial route for exporting Thai agricultural products to Cambodia. Despite the restrictions, the Thai side continues to open the border gate at 08:00, with the Cambodian side following suit at 09:00. Trading activities at the Pakkat border crossing proceed within the new operational hours set by Thailand, from 08:00 to 16:00.
Cambodian-registered 6-wheel trucks continue to traverse the border, primarily to collect consumer goods for transport back to Cambodia. Nevertheless, Cambodia maintains strict control over imports, adhering to its previously announced prohibition on vegetables and fruits.
Despite the measures, movement across the border persists, albeit reduced, particularly for workers in special economic zones and casinos. Immigration officers remain vigilant, especially regarding groups crossing the border for specific purposes.
Reports have surfaced of Thai trucks stranded on the Cambodian side for several days, unable to return before the border closure. Some drivers, like Mr. Prasert, have resorted to parking overnight in Cambodia. Mr. Prasert, who transports marble, expressed concerns about returning before the 16:00 border closure but remained optimistic about avoiding serious incidents.
At the Hat Lek checkpoint in Trat Province, operations continue without the presence of trucks carrying vegetables or fruits, in compliance with Cambodia's import ban. Instead, vehicles transporting seafood, fresh food, and general goods await clearance to proceed to Cambodia's Ban Cham Yiam Immigration Office in Koh Kong Province.
The Marine Task Force 182 has intensified document checks on Cambodians, uncovering instances of illegal cigarette smuggling. Seized cigarettes have been forwarded to the excise department, and smugglers have been released.
Cambodians have reported difficulties due to the ban, as the restriction disrupts their access to vegetables for cooking. The weekly market in Bo Ploi, usually bustling with Cambodians buying food, now faces uncertainty regarding the seizure of purchased vegetables and fruits by Cambodian soldiers.
Despite the challenges, Mr. Pichai Naripthaphan, Thailand's Minister of Commerce, stated that the ban has not significantly impacted Thai exports to Cambodia. Fruits continue to be distributed through modern trade channels, with recent purchases including 600,000 kilograms of mangosteens. Fresh vegetable exports are assessed on a case-by-case basis, with additional insights from the Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade indicating that Cambodians prefer ripe fruits, minimizing the effect on Thai exports. Alternative routes for exporting goods to Vietnam remain available, bypassing Cambodia if necessary.