Thai-Cambodian border crossing reopened

Thai-Cambodian border crossing reopened

ARANYAPRATHET, Thailand (AFP): Some 10,000 traders streamed across the Thai-Cambodian border yesterday as officials reopened the Klong Luek-Poipet checkpoint for the first time in two months.

In a brief ceremony which had been scheduled for today, Cambodian Army Gen. Duang Khaem and Kasaem Chaiyasith, the governor of Thailand's Sakaew province, declared the Thai- Cambodian Friendship bridge open and safe.

The checkpoint had been closed since April 9 when heavy fighting on the Cambodian side between Phnom Penh forces and Khmer Rouge guerrillas made passage dangerous.

Thai and Cambodian authorities have estimated millions of dollars were lost in halted trade during the past two months.

Governor Kasaem said yesterday that the military of both countries would guarantee the safety of civilians in the area, many of whom had left in April when guerrilla forces were expected to attack.