PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya’s streets may still be bustling, but behind the scenes, the city is feeling the squeeze from a near-total collapse of border trade with Cambodia. According to the Department of Foreign Trade, exports to Cambodia fell 97% in July, while imports plunged 99.8% following border clashes in late July.
“Border trade isn’t just about goods – it’s about people moving in both directions,” said a Pattaya hotel manager. “When the crossings close, everything slows down. We see fewer tourists, fewer shipments of fresh food, and the cost of living rises because supplies are disrupted.”
For a city heavily reliant on regional tourism, the impact is immediate. Hotels report fewer Cambodian visitors, restaurants struggle with shortages of fresh ingredients, and retail outlets see rising prices as shipments stall. Many businesses are also facing labor shortages in sectors that rely on regional workers, including hospitality, restaurants, and construction. Cambodian workers who typically commute for seasonal or permanent work have been unable to cross the border, forcing some businesses to reduce hours or scale back operations.
The situation is further complicated by restrictions at the Mae Sot–Myawaddy border with Myanmar, which remain tight despite official requests for easing. Arada Fuangthong, Director-General of the Department of Foreign Trade, confirmed that Thailand has asked Myanmar to relax the controls to help offset the eastern border lockdown, but no response has yet been received. While overall border and transit trade grew 5% year-on-year last month, the gains were largely tied to exports to China and Singapore, offering little immediate relief for Pattaya’s local economy or workforce shortages.
Local tourism operators warn that prolonged border closures could worsen supply shortages, drive up costs, and further reduce visitor numbers from neighboring countries. “Pattaya thrives on regional tourism and a steady workforce,” said a business owner. “Without open borders, both our hotels and restaurants feel the pinch — and it’s our guests who ultimately notice the impact.”
As Pattaya approaches its next high season, businesses are calling on authorities to restore safe, reliable border operations, emphasizing that the city’s reputation as a vibrant, tourist-friendly destination is on the line.
