Surin: The Chong Chom border crossing in Surin Province continues to operate as normal despite a decrease in the number of Cambodians crossing into Thailand due to ongoing tensions between the two countries.
According to Thai News Agency, the atmosphere at the permanent border crossing at Chong Chom, Kap Choeng District, Surin Province, reflects a sparse presence of Cambodian nationals amidst fears of potential border closures. Cambodians who do cross report that the friendly relations between the two nations persist, with trade and familial ties continuing uninterrupted. However, following incidents at Chong Bok in Ubon Ratchathani Province, there is a palpable concern among Cambodians that the Thai authorities might close the Chong Chom border, which could significantly impact the border economy and those reliant on cross-border exchanges for work and goods.
Prasat Ta Muen Thom remains open to tourists, countering rumors of impending closures of several checkpoints, including those in Si Sa Ket, Sa Kaeo, Ratchaburi, and Trat Provinces. Despite these rumors, ten checkpoints have been designated as relaxed, allowing continued movement and tourism, such as the route to Khao Phra Wihan in Sisaket Province and Ta Muen Thom in Surin. Some Thai tourists visiting Prasat Ta Muen Thom have expressed a desire for Thailand to manage tourism independently without undue influence from Cambodia and have voiced support for Thai soldiers safeguarding national borders, ahead of an army meeting scheduled for June 4 to discuss border policies.
Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvari, the army spokesman, clarified that the closure of the Thai-Cambodian border checkpoint is typically part of a strategic response to potential security threats. He emphasized that currently, there is no high-level concern necessitating such closures, as both countries are actively engaging through local mechanisms to address and resolve issues under mutual agreements.
Recent reports indicate that several checkpoints, including Ban Hat Lek in Trat Province and Ban Khlong Luek in Sa Kaeo Province, along with the relaxation checkpoint at Chong Sai Taku in Buriram Province, remain operational, affirming that the border remains open for now.