Surin: Cambodia remains firm in its decision not to permit children to cross the border to study in Thailand, despite Thailand’s efforts to open a border crossing on humanitarian grounds.

According to Thai News Agency, the closure of the Chong Chom border checkpoint in Surin Province has disrupted the routine of many Cambodians, particularly affecting students who commute across the border for their education. Since the checkpoint’s closure, some Cambodians have been arriving as early as 5 a.m., hoping to cross back into their homeland. They have expressed a desire for both nations to negotiate a resolution and restore previous cross-border movement.

The situation has particularly impacted the daily operations of a school bus driver who has been unable to transport students from Cambodia to Thailand for two weeks. The driver, who remains at the Thai side of the border each day, has been waiting in vain to pick up both kindergarten and high school students. Despite Thailand’s willingness to facilitate the students’ passage for educational purposes, the Cambodian authorities have maintained their stance, preventing students from crossing the border.

In a recent development, the Cambodian border gate temporarily opened at 10:00 a.m. to allow sick individuals to return home. However, the process only lasted for 30 minutes, accommodating over 500 patients and vendors, along with about 50 vehicles primarily belonging to vendors from the Chong Chom border market. Those with incomplete documentation were directed to contact the immigration police for assistance. The brief opening underscores the ongoing challenges faced by individuals caught in the border closure.