Nakhon Phanom: Entrepreneurs are calling on the government to urgently address the issues plaguing the R12 transport route, which is causing significant disruptions in transportation due to congestion, particularly when accidents occur.
According to Thai News Agency, the Nakhon Phanom Customs Department has echoed these concerns, highlighting the need for immediate governmental intervention. Ms. Lalita Atthapimon, Director of Customs Region 2, alongside Ms. Chanaiporn Poonnoi, Chief of Nakhon Phanom Customs, and Pol. Lt. Col. Suphamit Katasila, Chief of Nakhon Phanom Immigration, reported on the operations of key checkpoints in the region. The Nakhon Phanom Customs Checkpoint and the Nakhon Phanom Immigration Checkpoint play a vital role in facilitating trade between Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and China, via the 3rd Friendship Bridge and the Nakhon Phanom Municipal Pier.
In addition to the main checkpoints, there are four relaxation points facilitating trade and transport between Thailand and Laos, located strategically at various districts. Despite these facilities, the R12 route, which is crucial for the movement of goods, remains a bottleneck due to its limited two-lane capacity and the requirement for Thai entrepreneurs to undertake construction projects, leading to delays.
The top imported goods through these checkpoints include electrical energy, batteries, and chemical fertilizers, while the export value of fruits has seen a decline. In the first half of 2024, fruit exports were valued at 21,820 million baht, a 15% increase from the previous year, despite a 9% decrease compared to 2023 and 2025.
In terms of immigration, the checkpoints have seen a rise in daily entries and exits, with a 15% increase in 2025 compared to the previous year. However, strict checks have led to the discovery of drug smuggling attempts.
Entrepreneurs have also raised concerns about transportation delays affecting perishable goods like durians, which require prompt delivery to meet China’s stringent inspection requirements. They urge negotiations with China to implement random checks instead of mandatory inspections for every container, aiming to expedite export processes.
Additionally, entrepreneurs are advocating for the extension of operational days at the Dongxing checkpoint, currently open only from Monday to Friday, to ease transportation delays further.
The Nakhon Phanom Customs Department, in line with local entrepreneurs, emphasizes the critical need for governmental action to improve the R12 transport route, citing both infrastructure and procedural challenges that hinder efficient trade and transportation in the region.