SURIN, Thailand – Residents of Phanom Dong Rak district in Surin province are urging Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to remain firm and not reopen the Thai-Cambodian border checkpoint. They expressed frustration, saying that opening the border would bring more problems than benefits.
Ms. Sang Charungphan, a local resident, told reporters that villagers do not support reopening the checkpoint. “If it causes trouble for us, why open it? Thai people don’t cross into Cambodia to work; it’s mostly Cambodians coming here. We want the border closed. If the government builds a wall, we are happy, but will you open the checkpoint afterward? If you do, it defeats the purpose and wastes money,” she said.
She added that the community can sustain itself without relying on the border being open. On the upcoming election, Ms. Sang appealed to the Prime Minister to focus on the welfare of the people: “Even if you are in office for only four months, do good for the people. Next election, we will choose for ourselves. We know who truly cares for us.”
Regarding pressure from Cambodia, she emphasized that the villagers are knowledgeable and capable of thinking independently. “Do not be swayed by Hun Manet, the Cambodian Prime Minister. Our community knows how to protect its interests,” she added. (TNA)
