THAI Second Army Region Commander Lt. Gen. Boonsin Phadklang is gearing up to sign an order indefinitely closing two more border checkpoints after shutting Chong Sai Taku crossing in Buriram province this morning (June 22), Amarin TV said.
This step was considered after Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet followed suit and permanently shut two checkpoints, namely Chong Choam and Choub Korki.
The two additional checkpoints that could be closed are Chong Sangam in Si Sa Ket province and the Chong Choam in Surin province.
Lt. Gen. Boonsin said he shut the Buriram checkpoint because he was concerned about the safety of Thai people as around 30 Cambodians had earlier crossed over to Prasat Ta Kwai ancient temple in Surin province and aside from taking photos and videos dared to sing there with Thai troops politely and appropriately intervening and calming the situation.
This occurred despite there being an agreement between the two countries prohibiting the display of various symbols and symbolic expressions at this plus Prasat Ta Muen Thom and Prasat Ta Muen Tot temples.
Meanwhile Cambodians continued flocking across the border to fill up petrol and gas at Ban Klong Luek market in Aranyaprathet subdistrict, Sa Kaeo province, but there were fewer of them than yesterday.
A difference today is that most Cambodians were queuing up to fill gas rather than petrol with there being insufficient gas dispensers to meet demand from a large number of cars.
A petrol pump attendant told reporters that Cambodians are coming to fill gas and petrol on the Thai side because prices are likely lower than in their own country.
Quite a lot of vehicles have crossed over to fill up since Friday, most of them being luxury cars but there are also a lot of motorcycles.
Some of them who are in a hurry blare their horns but the attendants are busy serving other customers and a few have also got irritated with them.
CAPTIONS:
Top: Second Army Commander Lt. Gen. Boonsin Phadklang, left, and the shut checkpoint at Buriram province. Photo: Amarin TV
Insert and Front Page: Cambodians queuing to fill gas and petrol at Klong Luek market, Aranyaprathet. Photos: Amarin TV
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