Students granted permission to traverse Aranyaprathet border crossing beyond standard operating hours in Cambodia.
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Special Border Crossing Hours for Cambodian Students Ease Tensions Amid Continued Thai-Cambodian Dispute
In a bid to protect their education from the impacts of ongoing border tensions, Cambodian students will now be permitted to use the Ban Klong Luek border crossing, opposite Poi Pet, outside the recently set operating hours. This announcement was made by the Burapha Taskforce on Wednesday.
Officials Agree on Student Exception
According to Colonel Patiwat Fuangpraphat, deputy commander of the Burapha Taskforce and deputy chief of the Thai-Cambodian coordination office, the decision arose from a meeting between senior officials of the coordination offices from both nations on Tuesday.
Revised Border Hours
Starting from this weekend, Major General Benjapol Dechatiwong na Ayutthaya, commander of the Burapha Taskforce, adjusted the hours for the five Sa Kaeo border crossings, altering them from 6am-10pm to 8am-4pm. This change was initiated in response to Cambodia's denial of Thai territorial claims.
Cambodian Governor Petitions for Students' Access
Following a plea from Poi Pet Governor Keat Hul, delivered via Lieutenant General Pet Wanna, head of the Cambodian-Thai coordination office, Benjapol agreed to an exception for Cambodian students. They will be allowed to cross between 6am-8am and 5pm-6pm.
Students Prioritized Over Border Tensions
Patiwat confirmed that the exemption applies exclusively to Cambodian students, empowering them to travel to schools either on the Thai side or in Poi Pet, depending on their residency. The Cambodian authorities reportedly appreciate Thailand's understanding and support for the education of Cambodian children.
TAGS* Cambodian* Border crossing* Special hours* Sa Kaeo* Poi Pet
Insights:- The exception applies to Cambodian students, allowing them safer passage between 6am-8am and 5pm-6pm. This exception is designed to ensure students can attend school without disruption.- The decision to allow students to cross outside regular hours has eased tensions at the border, but broader issues between Thailand and Cambodia continue to persist, such as the long-standing territorial dispute and recent border restrictions.
In light of the special hours implemented at Sa Kaeo border crossings, the exemption for Cambodian students to travel between 6am-8am and 5pm-6pm has been granted, easing tensions and prioritizing education over political disputes. This decision, made following a plea from Poi Pet Governor Keat Hul and agreed upon by Major General Benjapol Dechatiwong na Ayutthaya, also takes into account the need for students to attend schools on either the Thai side or in Poi Pet, demonstrating a cooperation that extends beyond the ongoing border dispute.
