BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand’s private sector is closely watching tomorrow’s General Border Committee (GBC) meeting between Thailand and Cambodia in Malaysia, hoping it will lead to a positive resolution amid ongoing border trade disruptions.
Poj Aramwattananont, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said that although a ceasefire has been agreed between Thai and Cambodian military forces, border trade remains at a standstill, with all checkpoints still closed. He urged the GBC meeting to separate security and economic issues, suggesting even the reopening of just one or two checkpoints would significantly help restore cross-border commerce.
Kriangkrai Thiennukul, Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), noted that Thai-Cambodian border trade fell 9.5% in June, with Thai exports dropping by 11.2%. Thai businesses operating in Cambodia—especially those relying on raw materials imported from Thailand—have also been impacted, forced to find alternative suppliers on short notice.
The labor sector is also feeling the effects, particularly agriculture, after many Cambodian workers returned home. The private sector hopes the GBC meeting on August 7 will yield a constructive outcome to benefit both nations economically. (TNA)
