BANGKOK, 13 July 2015 – The Ministry of the Interior is planning to adjust the opening hours of border checkpoints across the country to accommodate Thailand’s entry into the ASEAN Economic Community.
The ministry has urged all border provinces to revise the opening hours of checkpoints to prepare for an expected increase in trade, investment and tourism after the AEC takes effect. The opening hours will be revised depending on the volume of trade and the initial impact of the establishment of the regional bloc.
Provincial administrative units and relevant agencies are instructed to hold talks to reach a conclusion on what the new opening hours should be.
The ministry needs to compile relevant information regarding the new opening hours before sending an official proposal to the National Security Council. The matter will also be discussed with the kingdom’s neighboring countries to seek consensus from all parties involved.
Currently, Thailand has 94 border checkpoints in 27 provinces. 39 are permanent checkpoints.
