SA KAEO, Thailand — In a rare and compassionate move, Thai military authorities on Monday evening opened key border crossings to allow Thai and Cambodian nationals to return to their home countries — a temporary reprieve that brought visible joy, emotional reunions, and a rush of people to the eastern frontier.
The Burapha Task Force officially announced that, for one evening only, border checkpoints in Sa Kaeo Province would allow outbound travel for returning migrants and residents. The special permission was granted between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on June 24, offering a narrow but crucial window for legal crossings amid tightened restrictions in recent months.
Under the announcement:
-Permanent checkpoints at Ban Khlong Luek (Aranyaprathet district) and Ban Khao Din were open from 17:00 to 20:00.
-Temporary trade checkpoints at Ban Taphraya and Ban Nong Prue were accessible only from 17:00 to 18:00.
-Up to 30 empty or trailer trucks from the Cambodian side were allowed to return via the Thai-Cambodian Friendship Bridge (Ban Nong Ian – Lalomtae), again by 8:00 p.m. at the latest.
Flood of Hope and Belongings
By late afternoon, the scene outside Ban Khlong Luek checkpoint was already crowded. Hundreds of Cambodian workers and residents had gathered — many clutching bags, personal items, and children — forming orderly queues under the searing heat and occasional rain.
Despite the discomfort, the mood was overwhelmingly positive. Smiles, laughter, and even tears filled the air as people anticipated their first chance in months — for some, even years — to return home.
“I’m so happy to go home again,” one Cambodian woman said, her face lit with emotion.
Others waved to friends across the gate, preparing to cross with both relief and nervous excitement.
Authorities Mobilize for Crowd Control
Thai military officers, immigration police, and border patrol units were deployed in full force to maintain order, provide directions, and ensure safety. Makeshift queues were established with rope lines and crowd barriers, while volunteers handed out water to those waiting.
Officials noted that while the crossing was only temporary, it demonstrated a humanitarian approach amid complex border management and labor enforcement issues. Many of those returning are believed to have previously worked in Thailand and were either stranded or undocumented during recent crackdowns.
Border Pressure and Human Movement
The Thai-Cambodian border at Sa Kaeo has long been a hub of cross-border movement for trade and labor, but rising enforcement and regional political tensions — including stricter immigration policies and recent bilateral friction — have led to a sharp drop in mobility and a spike in undocumented crossings.
This one-day easing was not only welcomed by returning migrants but also sparked calls from rights groups and local communities for more humane and coordinated cross-border migration policies.
