24-hour border openings proposed Bangkok Post: 19 Feb 2011 24-hour border checkpoints proposedBusinesses are proposing that the government open around-the-clock border checkpoints at Sadao in Songkhla, Nong Khai and Ban Khlong Luek in Sa Kaeo to ease traffic congestion.
Niyom Wairatpanij, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce's committee on border trade development, urged acceleration of 24-hour operations at the three checkpoints, especially in the South at Sadao, which suffers the most from congestion.He also urged the government to accelerate construction of the US$300-million Hat Yai-Sadao motorway to ease persistent traffic problems between those two points.
Operating around the clock would enhance Thailand's chances of becoming a regional tourism and logistics hub, said Mr Niyom.
He pointed out that Sadao was a significant checkpoint for both trade and tourism, so the government should add more lanes to the three at present and enlarge the Sadao-Hat Yai road, he said.
A survey of 100 companies in the Greater Mekong Subregion last year indicated non-stop checkpoint operations would increase the logistics efficiency of regional goods supply.
Mr Niyom said facilities should be improved before introducing 24-hour operation, with separate lanes for immigration tourism procedures and customs formalities for goods.
Tharadol Piempongsan, a deputy secretary-general to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, sees an opportunity to run the first 24-hour checkpoint at Sadao, bordering Malaysia.
Other checkpoints are in the pipeline for Mukdahan, Mae Sot, Chiang Khong, Nakhon Phanom and Nong Khai.However, bilateral agreements must be in place before these can be implemented, said Mr Niyom.
The Customs Department reported the main obstacles at various checkpoints are drugs and a shortage of officials.
These are most acute at Mae Sai and Chiang Kong in Chiang Rai, Mae Sot in Tak, Ban Khlong Luek in Sa Kaeo's Aranyaprathet district, Mukdahan and Nong Khai - all right on the border - as well as in Sakon Nakhon province.
The Foreign Trade Department reported border trade value of 778 billion baht last year, up by 21.7% from 2009. Thai exports totalled 486 billion baht and imports 292 billion, giving Thailand a trade surplus of 194 billion.
The ministry projects growth of 10.5% this year to 860 billion baht - 547 billion with Malaysia (up 10%), 148.6 billion with Burma (up 7.8%), 104.6 billion with Laos (up 20%) and 59.8 billion baht with Cambodia (up 8%).
Tariff reductions for 8,300 items under the Asean Free Trade Area and economic growth of 5-7% in neighbouring countries are factors in the burgeoning trade.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/economics/222392/24-hour-border-checkpoints-proposed
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