A Change of Guard

សូមស្តាប់វិទ្យុសង្គ្រោះជាតិ Please read more Khmer news and listen to CNRP Radio at National Rescue Party. សូមស្តាប់វីទ្យុខ្មែរប៉ុស្តិ៍/Khmer Post Radio.
Follow Khmerization on Facebook/តាមដានខ្មែរូបនីយកម្មតាម Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/khmerization.khmerican

Thursday 24 July 2008

Exports, tourism to Cambodia fall on worries over border temple

SA KAEO, July 23 (TNA) - Exports and tourism to Cambodia from the Thai border district of Aranyaprathet had fallen sharply since the beginning of July as traders and tourists have become worried over fallout in response to the disputed border area between the two neighbouring countries, senior Thai officials said Wednesday.

Pol. Lt-Col. Jirachart Romsaiyud, chief of immigration police at Aranyaprathet, said that the numbers of Thai tourists visiting 12th-century Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom in Cambodia had tumbled more than 80 per cent while group tours were cancelled altogether.

He said that the numbers of Cambodians visiting and shopping at the main market at Aranyaprathet near the border crossing declined over 40 per cent.

Several tens of thousands of tourists -- until last month -- formerly visited the market while more than Bt20 million changed hands daily, Col. Jirachart said.

The sharp declines came as local residents on both sides of the border were concerned over tensions connected with protests and troop movements in relation to the 4.6-square-kilometre disputed area on the Thai-Cambodian border between Si Sa Ket and Preah Vihear provinces, he said.

Meanwhile, Aranyaprathet customs chief Samphan Jarurattananont said that the dispute had already depressed trade as exports from this border district since the beginning of July had fallen over Bt300 million in value, and that Cambodian traders had returned to their homes.

Armed Thai Army Rangers continued to patrol along the border here while plainclothes Cambodian military were seen in Poi Pot, across the bridge from Aranyaprathet. Thai sources said that Thailand had not reinforced its troops at this key border district. (TNA)

No comments: