Cambodian customs initially restricted the entry of Thai fruit trucks from early Saturday due to demand-related concerns. The trucks, originating from Thailand's eastern provinces, faced a halt at Koh Kong island, persisting through Sunday morning.
By 8 am on Sunday, Thai trucks queued at the Ban Hat Lek border checkpoint, located in tambon Hat Lek of Trat's Khlong Yai district, awaiting approval to cross into Cambodia. Following negotiations between Thai and Cambodian officials, restricted truck access was lifted by 9.30 am, excluding those from Chanthaburi province.
The exclusion of Chanthaburi trucks stemmed from Thailand's refusal to permit Cambodian fruits, like mangoes, into the province, noted Klong Yai customs chief Nirote Watrangkun. Identifying trucks from Chanthaburi posed challenges, leading to an eventual decision by Cambodian authorities to allow all Thai fruit trucks through Ban Hat Lek.
Khlong Yai district chief, Cherdsak Chumnasiaw, emphasized the strong local ties between Thai and Cambodian officials, contributing to the agreement. Demand for Thai fruits in both Koh Kong and Vietnam drove the decision, he indicated.
Currently, at least 30 trucks ferry fruits from Thailand to Koh Kong daily through Ban Hat Lek, with numbers on an upward trend.
Source: Bangkok Post