The Cambodia Economy Reinforced Association has submitted a letter to Banteay Meanchey provincial authorities asking permission to hold a massive demonstration for four days to demand a reduction in the price of crossing the Thai border.
The letter said the association wishes to hold a demonstration of 500 people strong from Wednesday to Saturday, including a march from the Pailay pagoda to Poipet town, the Khmer Times reported on Monday.
Din Puthy, president of the association, said the letter was submitted on Wednesday but has yet to receive a response.
Puthy added that even without a response, the demonstration would go forward because notification had been given to authorities.
He said the reason for the protest was that immigration officers have been collecting US$3 (97 baht) every time vendors cross the border to Aranyaprathet district in Sa Kaeo, in order to stamp their documents.
“The vendors who always enter Thailand do so for small businesses,” he said. “But authorities demand their money, and they cannot endure it any more.”
According to a Poipet Town Hall notice, authorities have not yet given permission for the protest.
Last week, Banteay Meanchey provincial authorities announced to all residents living in the province that they could apply for a new border pass that would allow them to cross the border multiple times for multiple years for $5.