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Thai construction workers flee Cambodia

By The Nation
Published on July 19, 2008

About 300 construction workers near the Cambodian border fled back to Thailand yesterday morning as the bilateral dispute over the Preah Vihear temple intensified.

Cambodia dispatched some 2,000 troops to strategic areas along the border, citing the need to beef up security for tourists, residents and merchants. Their presence caused a drastic drop in cross-border trade.

The workers for Thai contractor Ch Karnchang left behind heavy and light equipment worth an estimated Bt100 million and crossed back to the Thai side of the border from Cambodia's Udommedchai province out of fear of violence erupting over the controversial temple.

Hattachai Pengchaem, deputy chairman for foreign affairs at the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said business across the border had almost ground to a halt over the past three days.

Thai tourists should avoid talking about the temple issue with Cambodians for their own safety, he said.

However, no bloody clashes are likely, as both governments believe the current tension is a result of domestic politics in Thailand, he added.

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Thai construction workers flee Cambodia

About 300 construction workers near the Cambodian border fled back to Thailand yesterday morning as the bilateral dispute over the Preah Vihear temple intensified.

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