Thai-Cambodian trade stalled by border clashes

BANGKOK, 5 February 2011 (NNT) – The recent clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops at the border has brought trade in the area to a standstill, according to the Commerce Ministry.

Following an exchange of gunfire between Thai and Cambodian soldiers in Si Sa Ket on Friday, Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn Ponlaboot admitted that the incident had overshadowed the trading atmosphere in the area. The provincial commerce office has thus been instructed to keep an eye on the situation closely in order to warn market vendors of possible impact both in terms of security and trade.

Although no official orders have been made to close the border, market activities around Chong Sa Ngam and Chong Chom border crossings have become somber. However, the Deputy Minister voiced confidence that normalcy would return once the tension subsides.

Thailand’s exports to Cambodia, mostly household commodities, machinery and fuel, are worth 50 billion THB each year while the import value is 3 billion THB.

In addition, Mr Alongkorn pointed out that the border violence had prompted the Ministry to consider postponing the Thai-Cambodian Business Forum, initially scheduled to take place in Phnom Penh during 17-20 February. The meeting will focus on bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, logistics, tourism and human resource development.