KhmerTimes-June 9
With intermittent closure of border crossings by Thailand, many of its provincial economies that are highly dependent on Cambodian workers could face losses amounting to billions of Thai baht, sources told Khmer Times. Following the closure of numerous border crossing gates with Cambodia on Saturday, the Thai government has stated that it will further restrict opening days of several major border crossings. Thailand closed Choam International Border Gate, O Smach International Border Gate in Oddar Meanchey province, Poipet International Gate and Stung Bot International Gate in Banteay Meanchey Province, on Saturday well before the normal closing time. Speaking to Khmer Times, Sarat Odamvalapila, an investor and businessman in Thailand’s hospitality and agriculture sector, said the contributions by Cambodian workers to Thai economy cannot be overlooked. “Generally, when we talk of border issues, we only consider the impact on bilateral trade and tourism. Both of them are important to the economies of Cambodia and Thailand. We can’t have a myopic view towards the contributions made by Cambodian workers to the Thai economy. The median age of Thailand is around 41, which is generally considered a big number, similar to South Korea, Japan, Europe and other developed countries. And it means Thailand is a fast-ageing economy, which will have a high dependence on migrant workers.” “For the Thai economy to flourish further, it would require migrant workers. This is something no policy-maker in Thailand can afford to deny.” Read more at:
