The situation at the Thailand-Cambodia border has caused harm. "Rong Kluea Market" has become quiet, with many vendors gradually closing their shops and posting numerous for-sale signs.
On 14 March 2026, reporters surveyed the atmosphere at Rong Kluea Market in Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo province, an important border trade market in Thailand. Following recent conflicts along the Thailand-Cambodia border, many border checkpoints have been closed, especially the Ban Khlong Luek border crossing in Aranyaprathet, a major trade link between Thailand and Cambodia.
The survey found that Rong Kluea Market is now noticeably quiet. Many shops have started to close down; some have shut permanently while others have posted signs offering to sell or lease their businesses due to direct impacts from the ongoing uncertain border situation.
Although some shops remain open, the number of shoppers has dropped significantly. The market’s streets, once crowded with tourists, vendors, and workers from both countries, are now quiet with only a few people shopping, a stark contrast to the usual bustling daily activity.
Local vendors explained that one major reason for the market's severe slowdown is the tense situation along the Thailand-Cambodia border, coupled with recent media reports quoting Cambodian leaders suggesting a possible third round of clashes or attempts to reclaim areas previously controlled by Thailand after the Songkran festival. This has caused market operators to worry about safety.
Some vendors added that Rong Kluea Market was previously a major border trade center with large daily financial turnover. However, with the border crossing closed and ongoing political uncertainty between the two countries, merchants' incomes have dropped sharply. Many are unable to cover rent and other expenses, forcing them to close or put their shops up for sale.
Additionally, some vendors mentioned that if the border situation remains prolonged and unclear, many traders might gradually leave the area or cease business entirely, inevitably impacting the overall border trade economy of Sa Kaeo province.
Rong Kluea Market is one of the country’s largest border markets and a crucial income source for local residents. However, the current border tensions have clearly slowed the local economy. Vendors and residents are closely monitoring the situation and hope the border issue will soon be resolved so trade can return to its usual lively state.