Border clash fails to dent Cambodian trade

Cross-border trade between Thailand and Cambodia remains unaffected by their ongoing boundary dispute, but the private sector is urging both countries to engage in peaceful negotiations to resolve the issues.

- PHUSADEE ARUNMAS

Last week there was a skirmish between Thai and Cambodian soldiers in the Chong Bok border area in Ubon Ratchathani province, with a Cambodian soldier killed in a gunfight. Cambodia said it would file a complaint with the International Court of Justice over the border dispute.

Jiraphant Asvatanakul, vice-chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and chairman of its Border Trade and Cross-Border Strategic Committee, said goods transport and trading activities between Thailand and Cambodia are continuing as usual.

Most of the trade flows through the Aranyaprathet district in Sa Kaeo province, facilitating exports to Cambodia and onward to Vietnam and China.

Despite some security tensions, he said trade remains uninterrupted.

"Traders are not concerned because they believe economic relations benefit both nations," said Mr Jiraphant.