Public works minister Sun Chanthol leads a technical working group on a field visit to the Thma Da border crossing in western Pursat province. PUBLIC WORKS MINISTRY
Cambodia and Thailand are holding another round of discussions to brainstorm the most effective way to transform the Thma Da border crossing into an international checkpoint – between western Pursat province and Trat in Thailand – to stimulate trade and tourism cooperation between the two countries.
Ministry of Public Works and Transport spokesman Heang Sotheayuth told The Post that a ministry technical working group was currently reviewing procedures for construction of the new international gate – located in Veal Veng district’s Thma Da, the sole commune in Pursat that borders Thailand.
Although Cambodia has drawn up and examined plans for the development of the border checkpoint, both countries must give the all-clear before the work can start, he noted.
Pursat provincial governor Cheav Tay pointed out that studies surrounding the proposed international border checkpoint have been carried out since 2020, but that the undertaking has been unable to proceed due to an inability for the two countries to reach an agreement.
Thma Da is Pursat’s only border crossing, and sees little freight and passenger traffic along its narrow road, he said.
The upgrade to an international border checkpoint will appreciably benefit the province and country, prop up freight transport along National Road 55 – which links Thma Da to Pursat town and National Road 5 – and promote tourism between the two countries, he added.
“Veal Veng district has many exquisite natural tourist sites such as Phnom 1,500 [or 1,500 hills], which attracts lots of visitors,” the provincial governor said.
Tay expects work on the international checkpoint to begin soon, saying that the provincial working groups have concluded the latest round of talks, and that working groups of the relevant ministries are focused on an additional set of steps.
Cambodia Logistics Association (CLA) president Sin Chanthy echoed Tay’s enthusiasm that the upgraded Thma Da would bode well for the transport sector, and come as a significant shot in the arm for freight traffic and trade between the two countries.
“The more international border checkpoints we have, the better, because transporters will save time and money, and customs procedures will go faster. The economy and trade would also grow faster, as there’d be no need to pass through the larger gates that are far away,” he said.
Government outlines for Thma Da show planned infrastructure such as immigration, customs and excise, and other administrative buildings, a transloading area, warehouses, a container port and dormitories.
The government expects the improved border checkpoint to create a wealth of opportunities for cross-border trade, international cooperation and investment, job creation and tourism promotion.
