Provincial officials in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, are advocating for the reopening of the Ban Phu Nam Ron border pass by the New Year to enhance cross-border trade, employment, and investment with Myanmar.

They assert that the area around the border is currently safe, with no reported conflicts in Myanmar.

Immigration and customs facilities in Kanchanaburi are prepared for the reopening, according to Bandit Promthong, chief of the Kanchanaburi provincial office.

A formal proposal for reopening the crossing has been submitted to the Interior Ministry and forwarded to the National Security Council (NSC) for review and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for negotiations with Myanmar.

The NSC is still assessing the request, and coordination with Myanmar authorities will ensure safety.

The Ban Phu Nam Ron border pass, located in tambon Ban Kao in Muang district, connects to the Ban Tiki checkpoint in Myanmar and is considered strategic for the economic zone's investment potential.

Opening the border is expected to boost trade, tourism, and employment and attract significant investment.

In related news, Thong Pha Phum National Park authorities have intensified border patrols following illegal gold mining operations.

A recent operation uncovered a 14-rai site with illegal excavation, resulting in the arrest of three suspects.

Further surveillance along the border continues to prevent illegal activities.