Aranyaprathet: Khlong Luek checkpoint is crowded with Thais and Cambodians waiting in line to cross the border after both sides adjusted the opening and closing times of the checkpoint to be different. The atmosphere at the Ban Klong Luek border checkpoint, a permanent crossing between Thailand and Cambodia in Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province, saw an influx of people early in the morning. Many Thai and Cambodian citizens, along with tourists, lined up to cross due to the altered border timings. While Thailand opens the checkpoint at 8 am, Cambodia opens it an hour later at 9 am, resulting in prolonged wait times and congestion.
According to Thai News Agency, the bustling scene includes groups of Cambodian tourists continuously traveling to the Thai side, prompting immigration officers from both countries to manage lines and maintain order. Travelers are advised to plan extra time for crossing and to check the detailed opening and closing times to avoid delays. Similar issues arose at the Chong Chom permanent border crossing in Kab Choeng District, Surin Province. Thai officials opened the gate at 8 am, but the Cambodian side remained closed. Negotiations for an earlier opening to allow students to take exams were unsuccessful, causing delays for students and patients awaiting medical treatment. At 9 am, Cambodian soldiers finally opened the gate for crossing.
At Ban Hat Lek, opposite Koh Kong Province, Cambodia, strict inspections and differing opening times led to congestion, particularly for cargo trucks. Cambodia delayed its opening from 6 am to 9 am, impacting goods transportation by three hours. Despite the delays, almost all Cambodian students were able to attend classes on the Thai side in time. Students were required to adjust their schedules to accommodate border closing times.
In Si Sa Ket Province, the Chong Sangam border crossing operates only on specific days with limited hours. Over 200 Cambodians, mostly patients and their families, were forced to stay overnight on the Thai side due to the staggered opening times. Only those with valid documents and hospital appointments were allowed to cross.
Security measures have been intensified, with integrated checkpoints inspecting vehicles and travelers. Goods transported into Thailand from Cambodia included mushrooms and insects, which were received at the border crossing.