Private sector worried with border clashes

BANGKOK, 7 February 2011 (NNT) – The Thai private sector has voiced concern over the Thai-Cambodian border clashes and urged that the Thai government should expedite talks or implement diplomatic measures to put an end to the disputes.

Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) Chairperson Payungsak Chartsutipol stated that the Thai government must urgently negotiate with Cambodia or use diplomatic means to end the ongoing spats.

As for the economy, Mr Payungsak said over 20-30 billion THB was usually generated in border trade, and Thailand was the major player. The clashes certainly will cease all trade between the two countries, he said.

Meanwhile, Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) Vice Chairperson Pongsak Assakul admitted that the private sector is worried with the situation because its investment plan in Cambodia will be affected.

Mr Pongsak elaborated that a number of investors are planning to use Cambodia as their production base after the implementation of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA). Their plan will not be materialized if the conflict is prolonged.