BANGKOK, June 16 (TNA) – Cross-border trade is active between Thailand and Laos and the commerce minister expects the neighboring country to reopen five more border crossings with Thailand.
Deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said Thai and Lao governments intended to revive economic activities along their border and they already reopened many border crossings. Cross-border business thus became active between both countries, especially in Nong Khai province, she said.
Ms Rachada quoted the Tourism Authority of Thailand as reporting that Nong Khai had the fourth biggest number of arrivals after Suvarnabhumi airport, Phuket and the Sadao border checkpoint in Songkhla province.
Apart from border reopening with Laos in Nong Khai, both countries also resumed five border crossings in Chiang Khong and Chiang Saen districts of Chiang Rai, in Muang district of Nakhon Phanom and in Sirindhorn district of Ubon Ratchathani.
“Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit assigned the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the commercial attache in Vientiane to convince Laos to reopen five more border crossings with Chiang Rai,” Ms Rachada said.
She referred to Ban Suan Dok border crossing in Chiang Saen district, Ban Hat Ban crossing and Pha Than pier in Chiang Khong district and Ban Chaem Pong and Ban Huai Luek crossings in Wiang Kaen district.
Thailand was ready to reopen the five crossings and the reopening would considerably increase cross-border trade with Laos and exports via Laos to China, Ms Rachada said. (TNA)
