Cambodia makes first move in standoff

The economic measures Cambodia has launched against Thailand in response to its border dispute indicates the nation is a few steps ahead of its neighbour, both in terms of retaliation and its posture in negotiations, says an analyst.

- WICHIT CHANTANUSORNSIRI

"This is the first time Cambodia has responded to Thailand with immediate economic countermeasures. Over the past decade, Cambodia has prepared for this moment by reducing its dependence on Thailand and shifting towards China, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore," said Aat Pisanwanich, an analyst in international economics and advisor on Asean affairs at Intelligence Research Consultant.

According to Mr Aat, former Cambodian premier and Senate President Hun Sen’s latest call for Cambodian workers to return home is expected to have a short-term impact on Thailand, as more than a million Cambodian workers are employed in various sectors of the Thai economy, including agriculture, domestic work and cleaning.