Surin province: Traders at the Chong Chom border market in Surin Province are expressing hope that President Donald Trump can bring about peace between Thailand and Cambodia, as they prepare to witness the signing of a peace agreement at the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chaturong, a trader at the Chong Chom border market in Kab Choeng District, has been heavily affected by the ongoing tensions. Specializing in seafood, meatballs, and ingredients for shabu and pork barbecue, his sales have dropped by more than 90% since exports to Cambodia were halted. Once earning an average of 100,000 baht per day, his earnings have now dwindled to just 7,000-8,000 baht. The financial strain has led to the seizure of two of his four vehicles. Although the government has attempted to provide assistance, it has been insufficient to cover the losses. The continuation of tensions only exacerbates the economic damage for traders like Mr. Chaturong.
As US President Donald Trump is set to witness the signing of the Thailand-Cambodia peace agreement tomorrow at the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia, there is optimism that true peace will be achieved. This could lead to the reopening of border crossings and a revitalization of border trade. While the sentiment is not universally shared, there is a call for understanding the significant impact these tensions have on border residents.
Other traders have echoed the sentiment of severe impact, particularly among villagers in Kab Choeng Subdistrict, who rely heavily on trade due to limited agricultural opportunities. For them, reducing conflict and returning to normal trading activities is seen as the best path forward.
In efforts to create a conducive environment for peace, Lieutenant General Wirayut Raksin, Commander of the 2nd Army Region, has held discussions with the Commander of Cambodia’s 4th Military Region. They have agreed to remove heavy weapons and destructive armaments from conflict areas. Further discussions are planned after October 26th to determine the official start date for the operational plan aimed at fostering peace.