A new Thai border crossing is scheduled to be opened in Preah Vihear province, replacing the checkpoint at the foot of Preah Vihear temple closed by the Thais last month.
Thai officials closed the checkpoint Dec 17 in a land dispute amid concerns about water pollution coming from the Cambodian side of the border.
The proposed new crossing would be about 7 km east of the temple, at Tathav pass in Choam Ksan district, Preah Vihear First Deputy Governor Bun Sovann said. He would not provide a date for the new crossing’s opening.
Provincial Governor Preap Tann said he met with Thai officials last month to discuss the idea. The Ministry of Interior allowed local officials to hold the discussions, but required them to report to the national government for approval, ministry spokesman Khieu Sopheak said. The ministry is reviewing the proposal.
If the Tathav pass opens, it could be as important as the crossing at Poipet, in Banteay Meanchey province, Preap Tann said. He has also asked the Cambodian government to rebuild a 100 km stretch of road between Preah Vihear town and Tathav pass.
