May 16, 2023
PHNOM PENH – The governors of Pursat province and the neighbouring Thai province of Trat have pledged to open the Thma Da-Ban Tha Sen international checkpoint to increase trade and tourism between the two countries.
The commitment was made during a courtesy meeting between the two governors, which took place during last week’s two-day visit to Trat by a delegation from the Pursat administration.
Pursat governor Khoy Rida said on May 11 that he had met with his Thai counterpart Chamnanwit Terat, and both sides had agreed that opening the checkpoint would benefit the trade of rice, cassava and fish while also boosting tourism.
“We cannot do it just yet, but we are in communication. We need to arrange several exchange visits, and the Thai authorities will confirm further details,” he said.
He noted that the two sides have yet to reach an agreement on the precise placement of several border markers.
Rida said the Thais were likely waiting until their national elections were concluded before they moved forward.
During the third Cambodia-Thailand Joint Council of Ministers meeting in 2017, the prime ministers of both nations urged the relevant authorities to expedite the opening of four additional international border crossings, including the one at Thma Da- Ban Tha Sen.