SURIN, Thailand – On the third day since the reopening of Chong Chom permanent border checkpoint in Kap Choeng District, Surin Province, following Thailand’s retaliatory measure to Cambodia by reducing border opening days, large crowds of Cambodians were seen carrying luggage and returning home in high numbers. Meanwhile, Thai nationals crossing into Cambodia have significantly decreased.
Thailand now opens the checkpoint only three days a week — Monday, Wednesday, and Friday — from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., instead of daily access. On this particular day, the Thai side opened the gate at 8:00 a.m., while Cambodian officials unlocked the barbed-wire gate at the O’Smach side at 9:00 a.m., allowing a surge of Cambodian migrants from various provinces to present their documents to Thai immigration officers before crossing back home with bags in hand.
In contrast, the number of Thai travelers heading into Cambodia has noticeably dropped. However, a few Cambodian vendors still crossed over into Thailand to shop, although their numbers remain modest.
On the Thai side, long queues of transport trucks — stretching over one kilometer — were seen waiting to enter Cambodia. Most trucks were scheduled to return with fresh cassava roots and dried cassava slices from Cambodia to Thailand. Thai authorities from various departments maintained strict vehicle and personnel checks at the checkpoint.
Despite ongoing tensions between the two nations, the Thai public continues to show support for its border forces. Locals from several nearby villages — including Ta Pram, Ta Traew, Amui, Phrai Payak, and Cham Beng in Theparak Subdistrict — visited the Phu Luang Border Patrol base and the 2606 Paramilitary Company post to deliver supplies, tires, and essential goods to uplift the morale of Thai border soldiers. The atmosphere was warm and heartfelt as community members came together to support those stationed at the front line of the national boundary.
