Bangkok: The Border Patrol Police Office (BPP) has underscored the necessity of enforcing stringent border crossing measures to thwart transnational crimes. The Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has confirmed that officials are adhering to strict protocols to ensure seamless operations at various border crossings while urgently exploring measures to mitigate the impact across all sectors, including easing cross-border transport. The emphasis is on enhancing border crossing control to suppress transnational crimes.
According to Thai News Agency, Rear Admiral Surasan Kongsiri, Deputy Spokesperson of the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, and Ms. Maratee Nalita Andamo, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Information and Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced the results of a meeting of the Thai-Cambodian Border Situation Administration Center (BCSA). The meeting focused on the effective implementation of measures to increase oversight at border crossings. Ms. Andamo highlighted that the enforcement remains strict, though humanitarian assistance is permitted, especially for emergency patients requiring treatment in Thailand, students, and those managing daily expenses. Over the past ten days, in Sa Kaeo Province alone, 6,500 students and 30 patients have been allowed entry into Thailand, with Cambodians also permitted to return to their homes.
Economic relief measures were also discussed, following the Prime Minister's engagement with residents in Sa Kaeo Province. Concerns were raised about the backlog of goods caused by increased border crossing intensity, affecting local farmers, Thai businesses, and the Thai private sector in Cambodia. Discussions with the Ministry of Commerce aim to establish measures to provide relief, including addressing budgetary issues.
The meeting also addressed the mission of the CCSA in combating transnational crime. Recent reports from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and Amnesty International highlighted issues of online fraud and human trafficking in Cambodia, underscoring the need for Thailand to elevate its efforts against transnational crime. The Thai government is committed to enhancing border control and calls for cooperation from Cambodia and the international community to improve safety and reduce losses.
Rear Admiral Surasan Kongsiri stated that the security situation remains stable, with officials continuing their operations as usual. The CCSA is responsible for implementing measures to control border crossings and continuously monitors and evaluates the results, integrating operations across all sectors based on resolutions from the National Security Council.
Following the Prime Minister's inspection of Sa Kaeo Province, urgent measures have been ordered to address labor imports and the backlog of goods transport vehicles. The CCSA is tasked with implementing relaxation measures and monitoring the situation in affected provinces.
Relief measures for local farmers, small traders, and exporters and importers have been outlined. Urgent measures involve coordinating the distribution of agricultural products, while small traders will receive support through surveys, skill training, and online channels. Thai importers and exporters in Cambodia will have expedited support for stranded goods and new shipping channels.
Mrs. Maratee also addressed social media unrest stirred by the Cambodian side, stating that the Thai government will communicate with Cambodia through official channels and urges the public to rely on information from government agencies.