The chief of Chong Chom Customs checkpoint confirmed that within his jurisdiction there is no cassava falsely claimed as Cambodian being smuggled into Thailand. He has consulted all relevant parties to prevent this and deployed five patrol vehicles for strict monitoring.
On 12 Feb, Mr. Prasit Deejongjaroen, chief of Chong Chom Customs checkpoint in Surin province, stated that regarding the issue of large-scale cassava smuggling from Cambodia via Laos into Thailand, which has caused prices to drop and Thai farmers to suffer, Mr. Phanthong Loikulanun, Director-General of the Customs Department, Ministry of Finance, Ms. Suntariya Tawichaprasit, Deputy Director-General, and Ms. Lalita Atthapimon, Director of Customs Region 2, have issued a key policy directing Chong Chom and Chong Sangam Customs checkpoints, responsible for four southern Isan provinces bordering Cambodia—Sisaket, Surin, Buriram, and Nakhon Ratchasima—to intensify enforcement efforts. He has convened relevant agencies for joint discussions to integrate data between the provincial commerce office, plant inspection checkpoints, provincial public relations, and affected parties to exchange information and vigorously enforce laws. Additionally, measures have been established to oversee and control agricultural imports that might impact Thai farmers, ensuring no undue burden or negative effects on honest operators.
From these discussions, it was clarified that cassava imports are free of quotas as regulated by the Ministry of Commerce. Most cassava entering Thailand comes from Laos, not Cambodia as previously misunderstood. Laos imposes a 40% import tax on cassava from Cambodia without exemptions for transit goods. Considering transportation costs, this route is economically unviable. Furthermore, before leaving Laos, origin certificates must be issued by Lao authorities, and upon entering Thailand, Thai plant inspection checkpoints conduct re-inspections. All procedures require supporting documentation for customs clearance, which can be verified and audited.
Mr. Prasit added that there is no evidence of cassava falsely claimed as Cambodian entering Thailand, and the government prioritizes addressing the hardships faced by farmers in southern Isan. He also understands that Thai people prefer to avoid entanglement with certain countries. From now on, five customs patrol vehicles have been deployed to suppress smuggling of undesirable goods. He emphasized that if illegal activities are detected, arrests will be made without negotiation, unequivocally.