People prepare to cross at the Cham Yeam international border checkpoint in Koh Kong province in October 2023. Cham Yeam International Border Checkpoint FB
In a move to enhance safety and convenience, Koh Kong and Oddar Meanchey provinces have initiated Cambodian-Thai border card services for residents.
Koh Kong’s deputy provincial governor, Samkhit Vien, said on January 8 that border pass services are being tested in districts bordering Thailand, with a focus on towns along the border.
However, due to limited machines, not all residents in these regions have access to border passes. Currently, the issuance is underway in two districts, Botum Sakor and Mondul Seima, in Koh Kong province.
“We’re providing services at the provincial hall, even with machine shortages, responding to our people’s requests to avoid delays in issuing border passes,” he said.
He said that permanent residents of the districts and children under 15 can obtain border pass services by visiting One-Window Service offices in town and district administrations. They should bring Cambodian ID cards, birth certificates, family books and two 4x6 photos when applying.
The pass is valid only in Thailand’s districts bordering Cambodia, and passports can still be used. In addition to the lower cost, it offers additional convenience and safety compared to passports.
Oddar Meanchey provincial deputy governor Dy Rado told The Post that the province, with four towns and districts bordering Thailand, is also initiating a trial for providing people with border passes.
He said that since early January, Samrong town, Anlong Veng, Trapaing Prasat and Banteay Ampil districts have been actively issuing passes.
“As part of the government’s policy, we now offer these passes, a step towards making essential public services more widely available. Delegating tasks to local authorities in towns and districts has streamlined the process, making travel to and from Thailand-bordering districts more accessible,” he said.
He noted that the border passes were provided exclusively to residents of Oddar Meanchey province when they requested at the local One-Window Service offices. Individuals from other provinces would not be eligible for these passes.
In November 2023, the government issued a directive, initiating a six-month trial of Cambodia-Thailand border pass services in towns and district administrations along the border, effective from January 1, 2024.
The directive also states the importance of disseminating information about service fees and duration to the population within bordering towns and district administrations.
