All parties concerned in the northern border province of Phayao are gearing up for the opening of a perment border checkpoint with Laos at Ban Huak in Phusang district.

Phayao Governor Narongsak Osotthanakorn today invited members of the government and private sectors for a meeting to discuss preparations for the opening of the checkpoint in line with a cabinet resolution adopted on July 31.

The cabinet resolution is for the temporary checkpoint at Ban Huak to be upgraded to be a permanent one.

Mr Narongsak  said he believed the date for the opening of the checkpoint would be fixed in two weeks, following consultations with security officials, immigration police and the Phayao Chamber of Commerce.

Apart from the opening of the checkpoint, preparations are also required to be made regarding transport routes. The country’s masterplan on transport in the North must be studied, he said.

Jaras Suthikulbut, an economic expert of Phayao, said the checkpoint will benefit the country in terms of tourism, economy and international relations. It will increase the trade and investment potential between Phayao province of Thailand and Xayaboury province of Laos, he added.