Nakhon phanom: The government is advancing plans to expand the Nakhon Phanom customs zone from one to three locations to support a One Stop Service initiative, aiming to boost border trade and transportation links with neighboring countries Laos, Vietnam, and southern China.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, announced that the Cabinet has approved the principles of a draft Ministerial Regulation on Customs Checkpoints and Border Checkpoints as proposed by the Ministry of Finance. This strategic move is intended to enhance the efficiency of customs clearance facilities and bolster international trade and transportation.
The draft ministerial regulation outlines the expansion of the customs area at the Nakhon Phanom Customs checkpoint. It includes the current customs checkpoint area in Tambon At Samat, a newly added warehouse for goods inspection and seized goods storage known as warehouse R8, and a new customs warehouse building at the Nakhon Phanom Border Transport Center. All these facilities are located in Mueang Nakhon Phanom District, Nakhon Phanom Province.
This expansion is considered essential as the Customs Department has been authorized to utilize warehouse building R8 for goods clearance. Concurrently, preparations are ongoing for the inauguration of the Nakhon Phanom Border Transportation Center. However, these areas have not yet been legally designated as customs zones, necessitating amendments to ministerial regulations to facilitate proper customs procedures and optimize import and export services.
Ms. Lalida emphasized the strategic importance of the Nakhon Phanom Customs checkpoint, situated approximately 1 kilometer from the Third Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge. Serving as a crucial hub on the R12 route, it connects Thailand with Laos, Vietnam, and Southern China, linking major transportation routes such as the AH1 highway and the Ho Chi Minh Highway. This makes it a vital conduit for the transportation of goods, especially Thai agricultural products like durian, to the Chinese market.
The expansion aims to provide legally supported operational areas, streamlining goods inspection and import-export processes. The development of the Nakhon Phanom border transport center into a one-stop service provider is expected to reduce procedures and boost the efficiency of goods transportation, benefiting businesses and enhancing Thailand's border trade competitiveness.
Additionally, the establishment of more customs zones is anticipated to support international trade, investment, and transportation, improve customs duty collection, and strengthen the inspection and prevention of customs law violations. The Cabinet has instructed the Ministry of Finance and relevant agencies to expedite equipment procurement, facility development, and the integration of agencies responsible for inspecting controlled goods. Clear guidelines and service requirements will also be communicated to importers and exporters to ensure comprehensive collaborative operations.