New Year Returnees Enjoy Easier Border Crossings
Cambodian people are waiting at the check point to cross to Cambodia. Photo: Facebook
- By Teng Yalirozy
- April 4, 2024 6:30 PM
PHNOM PENH – Nearly 54,000 people had returned to Cambodia for Khmer New Year as of April 3, officials say.
Almost 20,000 migrant workers also enjoyed streamlined border procedures when they came back for the four-day break which starts on April 13.
The General Department of Identification (GDI) said 26,168 people, including workers, returned from Laos, Thailand and Vietnam on April 3 alone.
Of these, nearly 22,000 people, including 5,368 workers, were from Thailand. Four workers and 4,406 others were from Vietnam and 82 people returned from Laos.
Prime Minister Hun Manet praised the new border procedures, saying they will enhance migrant workers’ travel experiences during the New Year. He urged collaboration between border authorities and ministries.
Stamps are no longer needed on workers’ passports or travel documents but officials must record entry and exit for security.
The changes follow complaints about delays and congestion at crossing points in previous years.
Cambodia and Thailand have also agreed to ease border crossings for Cambodian migrant workers from April 1 to May 15.
Workers who return to Thailand will not be charged the usual 1,000 baht fee (about $27.50).
Thai authorities will issue an entry and exit pass for migrant workers under an agreement by the countries.
