Prachuap again seeking permanent border crossing

Prachuap again seeking permanent border crossing

The Singkhon border checkpoint in Muang district, Prachup Khiri Khan. (Photo by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)
The Singkhon border checkpoint in Muang district, Prachup Khiri Khan. (Photo by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)

Prachuap Khiri Khan will again propose the upgrading of Singkhon border pass to a permanent checkpoint at next week's mobile cabinet meeting, to promote trade with Myanmar.

Provincial governor Pallop Sinhaseni said on Friday the cabinet was due to visit Phetchaburi for meetings  with central provinces representatives from Monday to Tuesday, Manager online reported.

The province would take the opportuity to renew its push for the opening of a permanent border checkpoint, he said.

Singkhon pass is presently a special temporary checkpoint, meaning Myanmar citizens are allowed cross through it into Muang district and stay there for one night, while Thais can go to Myeik, formally Mergui, also for a one-night stay.

Officials and traders have long wanted the main gateway in the province to southern Myanmar to be a permanent checkpoint. The still undemarcated border line is the main stumbling block, although both Thai and Myanmar authorities have surveyed the area.

Two-way trade between Thailand and Myanmar through the checkpoint in Muang district jumped from 126 million baht in 2015 to 410 million baht last year.

Seafood was the main import from Myanmar, while Thailand shipped consumer products and fruit to Myanmar, according to a report on border trade in Prachuap Khiri Khan.

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