Tuesday, 21 October 2008

Poipet: back to business

Cambodge Soir

21-10-2008

A meeting between Cambodia and Thailand was organised on Thursday October 16 while all Cambodian shops remained closed.

At the same time as the October 16 meeting between the army commanders of Thailand and Cambodia in Preah Vihear, commanders of the Poipet region also met for two hours. They agreed on “normalising the situation and commercial exchanges between the two countries”.

According to Poipet commune chief San Sean Hour, it was about time: “99% of the population earn their living by trading with Thailand". He estimated that if the situation continues the population might be rapidly facing financial difficulties.

For example, goods carriers are only earning an average 5,000 riel per day when they used to earn 20,000. The population also faces issue regarding food. Most of the small restaurants and markets on the Cambodian side are closed as many civilians have left the area, whereas on the Thai side business continues as usual.

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