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SA KAEO, Nov 9 (TNA) - The Thai-Cambodian border situation in Thailand’s eastern provinces of Sa Kaeo and Chanthaburi remains normal, although some worried Cambodians have flocked to border markets in both Thai provinces to buy consumer goods due to fear of the checkpoints’ closure.

As Monday is Cambodian national day, many Cambodians crossed the Aranyaprathet checkpoint in Sa Kaeo to do their business at Ban Khlong Luek border market or Rong Kluea market in Thai territory, buying extra supplies such as vegetables, fruits and beverages.

However, Thai soldiers on the local site explained to tourists wanting to cross the border that the situation is still normal and there has been no decision to close the border.

Meanwhile, Chanthaburi Thai-Cambodian Border Trading Association chairman Isiwoot Tungkiat, said that the Khmer merchants crossed at the checkpoint for border trade in Chanthaburi’s Soi Dao district on Monday morning as usual.

However, following the two countries’ current diplomatic spat, less than 10 trucks carrying consumer goods crossed the border on Monday. Mr Isiwoot said this may be due to Cambodian traders deciding to order goods from Vietnam and China instead.

According to the chairman, there were usually several 10 trucks crossing the Chanthaburi checkpoint daily destined for the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh, which is an important market for Thailand’s border trade. Goods ordered by traders in Phnom Penh are valued at several hundred millions of baht monthly.