Travel Securely Securely Travel
Both business and pleasure travelers will be pleased to learn that the governments of Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to invest in an additional border crossing. Furthermore, existing border crossing facilities can expect to see improvements.
Phnom Dev International Border Checkpoint
The Phenom Phen Post reported that the Phnom Dev International Border Checkpoint which connects Cambodia’s Battambang province and Thailand’s Sa Kaeo province will open on 18 May 2018.
The Diplomat noted in early April 2018, that the impetus behind the collaborative effort is to boost trade between the two nations, with a goal of reaching $15 billion by 2020.
The opening of the new border checkpoint is waiting on “inspection equipment.” Cross border drug smuggling is a regional reality. Travelers should expect inspections at the new border crossing, specifically to thwart drug smuggling.
Sa Kaeo Province, Thailand
Travelers tend to travel through, rather than to Sa Kaeo province. A daily bus service from Bangkok via Sa Kaeo takes tourists to and from Siem Reap area of Cambodia,
the location of Angkor Wat. For those who do opt to make a stop in Sa Kaeo, they will not be disappointed, as Pang Sida National Park, located in the highlands offers a wide variety of both fauna, plants, 400 species of butterflies, and a variety of waterfalls.
Poaching of the magnificent Thai Rosewood, a vulnerable species does occur. Poachers may be present. In 2013, Rosewood sold in China at $95,000 per cubic meter.
Battambang and Siem Reap Provinces, Cambodia
Battambang province, relies predominately on agriculture (rice, rubber and oranges) with a plethora of interesting temples. Contiguous with Siem Reap province and often transit for tourists on the way to Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Park.
Staying safe and securely travel.
Do not transport drugs across the border of Thailand and Cambodia. Travelers should also wear closed toe shoes and avoiding walking on uneven ground. Closed toe shoes also prevent little creatures from visiting your toes.
Perhaps more importantly, when in Cambodia do NOT venture off well marked pathways. Land mines are a very real risk.
Walking in the tropics may not be exhausting, but it is and does dehydrate you. Make sure you carry your day’s water with you.
Further more, in February 2018, The Guardian reported on the arrest of 10 foreign tourists for “disrespectful behavior” in Siem Reap province. This behavior included public intoxication, explicit sexual behavior, inappropriate dress, and hedonistic behavior.
