Thailand and Cambodia reached an agreement to open the Chong Sai Taku temporary border pass in the former’s Buri Ram province for one more day each week, starting in June.

Buri Ram Governor Thongchai Lue-adul revealed that he has led a delegation of high-ranking civil servants and security officials to Cambodia in a bid to discuss with the governor of Oddar Meanchey province about the idea of increasing the operating hours of the temporary border pass.

As a result, both sides concluded that they will allow the border point to open from Friday to Sunday every week, from 8 am to 3 pm. The spot currently welcomes border crossers only on Friday and Saturday. The new timetable will take effect from June 14 onwards.

The extra opening day is expected to greatly benefit border trade between the two countries as well as increase locals’ income and improve their quality of life over the long term.

Cash flow has increased from 400,000-500,000 THB a week when Chong Sai Taku was established to over 1 million THB currently. After the border pass begins opening on Sunday, local authorities anticipate more money in circulation.

Furthermore, the three-day opening is considered another step towards the goal of upgrading Chong Sai Taku from a temporary to a permanent border pass in time for the advent of the ASEAN Economic Community.-VNA