Thai-Lao border markets remain active after coup

NAKHON PHANOM, THAILAND, May 26 (TNA) - Two-way trade along the Thai-Lao border has remained active despite a military coup in the Thai side. The atmosphere at border markets along the Thai-Lao border in Ta Uten and That Panom Districts in Nakhon Phanom Province in the Thai Northeast has remained good without any turbulence, as Lao people have continued crossing the border to sell their produce and buy Thai consumer goods back home on Mondays and Thursdays as usual with millions of baht changed hands. Besides, cross-border trade and travels at the the 3rd Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, also in Nakhon Phanom Province, have continued as usual despite strict inspections by local security officers to prevent a sneak out of Thailand by wanted people, as ordered by the National Council for Peace and Order (NAPO). Reports said, however, that the number of Lao traders crossing the common border into Thailand to purchase goods even doubled, shortly after the coup d'etat was announced by the Thai military last Thursday, as Lao people were concerned and uncertain about the situation in Thailand and first flocked across the border to purchase Thai goods for hoarding. (TNA)