Border Trader at Chong Jom Celebrates Thailand's MOU44 Cancellation, Says No Need to Open Checkpoint Without Cambodians, Calls for Joint Border Tourism Development

On May 6, 2025, following the Cabinet's approval on May 5 to cancel MOU2544—a memorandum of understanding concerning overlapping areas where Thailand and Cambodia claim continental shelf rights—border trader Duang Rat, who operates a shop opposite the Chong Jom border market in Dan subdistrict, Kabchang district, Surin province, expressed her approval of the decision. She called on the Prime Minister to complete border wall construction quickly and comprehensively. She stated that cancelling MOU43 would be even better, while regarding MOU70, she emphasized that any agreement should not disadvantage Thailand, as border residents have suffered greatly in the past.

"If we open the checkpoint, where will national security be? What happens to the lives and property of border residents?" she asked rhetorically. "Border people can survive without opening a checkpoint. Before, we managed fine without Cambodia. We even provided assistance during the Khmer refugee crisis, supporting hundreds of thousands of people. Thais can help Thais. Thailand is abundant—if we want to boost the economy, we can do it ourselves. Many other countries offer trading opportunities; we don't need Cambodia. Instead, we should develop tourism attractions."

She highlighted potential tourism routes connecting Prasat Ta Kwaai, the 350-year-old temples, and other attractions, linking them to attractions like Khao Sala in Buachet district and Luang Poo Suang in Phu Sing district, Sisaket province. "We shouldn't just wait to open a checkpoint for Cambodia," she stressed. "We need to help ourselves and improve first before allowing them in. Thais can help Thais. Regarding the border wall, I urge the Prime Minister to accelerate its construction for national security and safety, and to meet the people's needs."