Saturday, 26 July 2008

Rumors on Cambodian traders refuse to accept Thai baht, sluggish trade at border

SA KAEO, July 26 (TNA) - Trade in the key Thai district of Aranyaprathet bordering Cambodia remained sluggish Saturday amid rumours that Cambodian traders were refusing to accept the Thai currency, the baht, due to fears that tensions along the border over regarding a disputed zone adjacent to an ancient temple could escalate.

Fewer than half the normal number of Cambodian traders crossed into Thailand's normally lively Aranyaprathet market in an atmosphere or inactivity, while the volume of Thai tourists visiting Cambodia's 12th-century Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom tumbled to less than 100 from about 1,000 persons during prior weekends.

Cambodian traders with a sense of nationalism refused to accept the baht at all, saying they preferred the Cambodian currency, the riel, after selling their wares at the Aranyaprathet market.

A Cambodian market vendor, a woman who crosses the border every day, said Cambodian traders were being searched by motorcycle-taxi drivers upon returning to Cambodia's Poi Pet town, at the other end of the short bridge, were scolded and told that they did not love the nation if Thai currency was found inside their wallets.

Thailand's Burapha Task Force stationed along in the border area said Cambodian traders still used the Thai baht in daily trade, except for small vendors who preferred the riel out of concerns that Thailand would close the border.

Security at Thai government offices near the border has been tightened, also on fears that fighting between both sides could break out. (TNA)

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