Cambodian nationals throng Chanthaburi border checkpoint to return home
RAdm Charamphakorn Promphakorn, deputy commander of the Chanthaburi-Trat Border Defence Command, said on Friday morning that Cambodian nationals gathered at Ban Laem checkpoint in tambon Thepnimit in large numbers to cross back into their country.
The Chanthaburi Marine Task Force issued a special directive to facilitate the safe and orderly movement of both Thai and Cambodian nationals wanting to return to their respective countries, he said.
The border checkpoint has been temporarily opened for cross-border movement from 9am to 3pm daily, effective from Thursday.
Officials have been deployed to provide assistance and ensure a smooth passage for those returning.
Thai nationals wanting to re-enter the country through the same checkpoint will also be given the same assistance.
Troops from Thailand and Cambodia exchanged heavy artillery fire on Friday in two lower northeastern provinces bordering Cambodia following the clashes on Thursday.
Thailand's Second Army Region reported clashes from before dawn in Ubon Ratchathani and Surin provinces and said Cambodia had used artillery and Russian-made BM-21 rocket systems.
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