Determined to continue fighting "Moo Kratha" restaurant At the Thai-Cambodian border, the "Moo Kratha" restaurant is battling multiple crises despite a sales drop of over 40%, still bearing costs and maintaining food prices at the same level.
On 25 March 2026, a reporter reported that in Sangha district, Surin province, near the Thai-Cambodian border, Moo Kratha entrepreneurs continue to sustain their businesses amid multiple crises. These include two rounds of local unrest and clashes, as well as soaring oil prices that have continuously driven up raw material and transportation costs.
Meanwhile, "Ruan Chompoo Moo Kratha" in Ban Kham Noi, Village No. 2, Sangha Subdistrict, Sangha District, Surin Province, a well-known Moo Kratha restaurant serving customers for nearly 30 years, remains open despite a somewhat sluggish business atmosphere.
Mr. Naruedet Lertphatranon, 35, the restaurant manager, said the business is family-run, passed down from parents to children. The restaurant's highlight is its unique dipping sauce recipe, beloved by customers for a long time. After clashes occurred in the Thai-Cambodian border area, customer numbers declined.
Although facing heavy burdens at times, due to a strong attachment to the profession and loyal customers, the restaurant decided to keep fighting. It renovated to be cleaner, more modern, and more inviting by adding front seating booths and a children's area to create a family-friendly atmosphere. Prices are 180 baht per set for takeout and 200 baht for dine-in, with kilogram sales at 200 baht per kilo.
Despite rising costs from oil and raw materials, for example, pork prices before the oil crisis were 110 baht per kilogram but have now risen to 120 baht. Previously, the restaurant sold about 50 kilograms of pork daily; now, sales are about 30 kilograms per day.
As for vegetables like cabbage, prices have increased from 20 baht to 30 baht per kilogram. However, the restaurant maintains its food prices to help ease the burden on local customers, who are also affected by economic difficulties.
Having operated for over 30 years and survived many crises, this one is tough but manageable, and the restaurant intends to keep fighting because this is their main livelihood and passion.
Local border entrepreneurs express hope that the government will promptly address security and cost-of-living issues so that residents and small traders can sustain their livelihoods securely over the long term.