Thailand-Cambodia border clashes continue to impact economy in Thai border areas

The recent clashes along the Thailand-Cambodia border have had a severe economic impact in Thai border areas, and though there is a current pause in fighting, many businesses are suffering amid the uncertainty, with many eagerly hoping for lasting peace and a return to normalcy.

The armed conflicts between Cambodian and Thai soldiers erupted on July 24 over a territory dispute, resulting in over 30 fatalities and forcing over 100,000 people to be evacuated. A ceasefire was agreed upon on four days later, but the repercussions of the conflict linger on.

The Kantharalak District in northeastern Thailand's Sisaket Province borders Cambodia's Preah Vihear Province and is one of the most sensitive regions along the border. Despite the ceasefire, border trade and daily life have been significantly disrupted, resulting in a stark decline in a once-bustling night market in the area.

The popular local market remains largely deserted, with few customers around, while many food stalls remain empty as vendors have not returned to set up shop.

"The market is very quiet now. The number of vendors has decreased by about 80 percent, and customer traffic has also dropped nearly 80 percent. It's really tough right now. If the economy could return to normal, it would be much better. It would be even better if the conflict could settle down, as the Thun-Jai Market is a major market in our Kantharalak district, an essential place for people to shop," said a local vendor named Noi.

The heightened concerns about border security has led to the temporary closure of several tourist attractions and a significant reduction in border tourism.

Pongchai, a hotel manager in the neighboring province of Ubon Ratchathani, noted the broader impact.

"It's not even my business, but it is [affecting] things across the city of Ubon Ratchathani. Restaurants, spas, [distribution], also like the transportation business is like canceled. Starting from the last week of July, [it could continue] until August and September," he said.

Pongchai added that people are all hoping for a peaceful resolution as soon as possible so business can get back to normal.

The financial toll of the conflict is shown in the latest statistics from Thailand's Ministry of Finance, which revealed economic losses from the border conflict have exceeded 10 billion baht (about 31 million U.S. dollars), not including the losses from border trade.

Thailand-Cambodia border clashes continue to impact economy in Thai border areas

Nicaragua's co-foreign minister Valdrack Jaentschke has warned that militarism must never be allowed to rise again, as Japan's recent moves to lift its arms export ban and revise the pacifist Constitution continue to draw international concern.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the opening of the Tokyo Trials, where Japan's Class-A war criminals from World War II were brought to justice.

In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Valdrack Jaentschke voiced his concern that today's world order is being undermined by interventionism and other challenges.

"It is necessary for us to remember that after the end of World War II, countries worked hard to build a new international order based on international law. However, regrettably, more than 80 years later, we are seeing that this once explored and attempted order is being challenged by interventionism, a confrontational mindset, and tendencies like 'might makes right.' These are precisely the conditions that gave rise to fascism and militarism in the past, which ultimately led to the tragedy of World War II," he said.

He said the international community has a responsibility to pursue a new international order -- one fundamentally grounded in peace.

"Looking back at the history more than eight decades ago and comparing it with today's reality, it is our responsibility to recognize that the world should, and must, build a new international order that is more just, fairer, rooted in international law, based on a logic of mutual benefit and shared success, and fundamentally grounded in peace," said the minister.

"Today, as we revisit the Tokyo Trials, it is meant to remind the world that such a tragedy must never be repeated -- and that we must do everything in our power to prevent it from happening again. We must stop that dark world -- born from militarism, interventionism, and fascism -- from ever returning," he said.

Nicaraguan FM warns of militarism revival