Exports made through Thailand’s land border have been increasing continuously, despite many customs houses at the border having been shut due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ministry of Commerce today (15 Nov) reports that it was able to reopen two more customs houses, both of which were in Narathiwat.
Minister of Commerce Jurin Laksanawisit said Thailand’s border trade continues to expand despite many border points having been shut due to COVID-19. Only 46 border customs points were in operation out of 97 in total. In September, exports of Thai goods to immediate neighbors expanded by 38%. Trade value with Thailand’s number one border trade partner Malaysia in the first 9 months of this year amounted to 239 billion baht, rising by 36.47% and accounting for 35.73% of total border trade value.
Two of the 9 customs points in the 4 southern border provinces – both in Narathiwat – had remained closed. Today (15 Nov), the two customs houses – Tak Bai and Buketa – successfully reopened and the commerce minister attributed the progress to joint efforts by provincial authorities, the Southern Border Provinces Administration Center, and the private sector. He said the commercial attach in Kuala Lumpur has been tasked with seeking consultations with the Malaysian government for the purpose of raising the value of border trade between Thailand and Malaysia further.
Jurin said the reopening of the two customs points will enable the yearly Thai-Malaysian trade value to grow by at least 600 million baht, and allow exporters in Thailand’s Deep South to export more latex, agricultural products, and industrial goods to Malaysia.
The minister added that negotiations were underway to reopen other customs houses, such as Tha Sen customs house in Trat and Nong Ian customs house in Sa Kaeo. (NNT)
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