Thailand is decreasing the amount of time that checkpoints on the Cambodia border are open, as well as banning the crossing of some people and trucks.
The measure took effect Saturday evening as Cambodia continued to accuse Thailand of invading its territory and opening fire on its soldiers, maintaining its intention to bring the issue to the International Court of Justice.
The Thai military dismissed the Cambodian claims and insisted that Cambodian soldiers intruded onto Thai soil in Ubon Ratchathani province and then opened fire at Thai soldiers who approached them for a discussion on May 28.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura said on Sunday that Thailand had prepared four stages of measures, from soft to hard, to suit situations in different areas.
In the first stage, border crossing continues for people involved in trade, cargo transport, labour and other necessary activities while checks are intensified on people with risky behaviours, including gamblers and suspected criminals.
In the second stage, the days and times for border crossing are restricted to control people's movements and activities in border areas.
In the third stage, selective closure is applied in high-risk areas where an attack or an invasion is possible.
The fourth stage would be a complete closure of the border with Cambodia if the situation turned critical or an invasion clearly happens, Mr Nikorndej said.
“The measures will be implemented with attempts to protect the Thai and Cambodian people who have nothing to do with the situation,” the spokesman said.
“Thailand has always insisted from the start and at all levels on complying with and using bilateral mechanisms, especially the JBC (Joint Boundary Committee), that will meet on June 14,” Mr Nikorndej said.
Border checkpoint operations
- At the Chong Ahn Ma border crossing in Nam Yuen district of Ubon Ratchathani, the opening was decreased from twice a week to only on Thursdays between 9am and noon.
- The Sai Taku crossing in Ban Kruat district of Buri Ram opens three days a week, instead of daily, from 9am to noon.
- The Chong Sa-ngam crossing in Phu Sing district of Si Sa Ket opens three days a week, instead of daily, from 9am to 3pm and the transport of construction materials is blocked.
- The Chong Jom crossing in Kap Choeng district of Surin opens three days a week, instead of daily, from 8am to 3pm and the transport of construction materials is banned.
- The Ban Klong Luek crossing in Aranyaprathet district of Sa Kaeo opens from 8am to 4pm, instead of 6am to 10pm, and gamblers and tourists are prohibited from crossing the border. Both Cambodian and Thai traders must use border passes which are valid for seven days instead of 14 days. Trucks with six or more wheels may not pass.
- The Thai-Cambodian Friendship Bridge (Ban Nong Ian-Stung Bot) in Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo, opens from 8am to 4pm, instead of 6am to 6pm, and trucks with six wheels and more can pass.
- The Ban Khao Din crossing in Khlong Hat district, Sa Kaeo, opens from 8am to 4pm, instead of 6am to 6pm, while gamblers and tourists are barred. Both Cambodian and Thai traders must use border passes which are valid for seven days instead of 14 days. Trucks with six or more wheels may not pass.
- The Ban Ta Phraya crossing in Ta Phraya district, Sa Kaeo, opens from 8am to noon and trucks with six wheels and more are blocked.
- The Ban Nong Prue crossing in Aranyaprathet district of Sa Kaeo opens from 8am to noon. Military officers can use their discretion to allow or block the crossing of individuals.
- The Ban Hat Lek crossing in Khlong Yai district of Trat opens from 8am to 4pm instead of 6am to 6pm.