Cambodians block border bridge [A tit for tat is the only way to stop the Thai grandstanding]

Published: 3 Sept 2013 
Bangkok Post 

Cambodian vendors have blockaded the Thai-Cambodian Friendship bridge near the Aranyaprathet border checkpoint in a protest against a crackdown on pirated goods by Thai authorities. They used more than 10 two-wheeled pushcarts as a barrier to block the bridge lane heading into Thailand on Monday. The protest paralysed traffic between Sa Kaeo and Banteay Meanchey province in Cambodia.

The vendors accused Thai officials of prohibiting them from selling second-hand clothes at the Rong Kruea border market in Thailand. Thai authorities denied the allegation during talks with the vendors.

The officials admitted confiscating some goods, but said this applied only to pirated goods, including bags and shoes, which were being smuggled across the border hidden in other products.

The vendors dispersed after the talks.