Border Trade Stalled over Cambodian “Day of Anger”

via Khmer NZ

Published : July 16, 2010

Border trade between Thailand and Cambodia came to almost a complete standstill on Thursday as Thai traders feared violent outbreaks during Cambodia’s observance of a “Day of Anger.” As yet, no disturbances have been reported, while trade is expected to return to normal on Friday.

Si Sa Ket, the 15th of July 2010: Traditionally held on the 15th of July, Cambodia’s “Day of Anger” is an annual event organised for citizens to pay their respects to the souls of the victims killed by the Khmer Rouge in the 1970’s. Reports of unofficial events being staged to show solidarity regarding ongoing border disputes with Thailand were unconfirmed.

Due in part to Cambodia’s “Day of Anger,” border trade at Si Sa Ket’s Chong Sa-ngam border crossing slowed to a halt on Thursday due to fears of possible violent outbreaks. Officials revealed that trade at the key crossing had remained relatively quite since Monday.

Cambodian citizens on both sides of the border also feared violence with reportedly less than 50 people crossing on Thursday. Many opted to hold back crossing the border until Friday when things were expected to return to normal.

An increase in local police, security volunteers and military personnel was ordered for key points along the border, while Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva revealed that the government was closely monitoring the situation.

While emphasising the need for Thailand to continually express its rights over the disputed border regions, he maintained that avoiding clashes between military troops of the two countries was a priority.

Allegedly, Cambodia is scheduled to submit a management plan for the disputed regions, which will include the 4.6km2 area near Preah Vihear Temple, at a meeting of UNESCO to be held at the end of this month.

The 11th century Preah Vihear temple was given world heritage listing last year, however, the question of sovereignty over the 4.6km2 of surrounding land has never been clearly resolved and has been the location of numerous clashes between troops.