SA KAEO, Thailand – Special border crossing hours were granted for Cambodian students affected by revised checkpoint schedules.
On Tuesday, Thai and Cambodian officials met at the permanent Poipet checkpoint to resolve issues caused by new border crossing hours. Colonel Patiwat Fueangpraphat, Deputy Commander of the Burapha Task Force and Deputy Head of the Thai-Cambodian Border Coordination Office under the First Army Area, led the Thai side. The Cambodian delegation was led by Lieutenant General Pach Vanna, Head of the Cambodian-Thai Border Coordination Office, and Governor Keat Hun of Poipet.
The discussion followed concerns raised by Cambodian students who live in Thailand and study in Cambodia, and vice versa, particularly those crossing at Ban Khlong Luek permanent checkpoint in Aranyaprathet District of Sa Kaeo Province. The checkpoint’s operating hours had been changed to 08:00–16:00, disrupting daily school commutes.
In response, the Commander of the Burapha Task Force approved new student-only crossing windows. From now on, students may cross from 06:00–08:00 in the morning and 17:00–18:00 in the evening.
Cambodian officials expressed gratitude for the swift coordination. Governor Keat Hun noted that the move would prevent disruptions to students’ education and improve overall border relations during this sensitive time. (NNT)
