The ongoing border clashes between Cambodia and Thailand have weighed heavily on Cambodia's tourism industry, a key pillar of the country's economy, as visitor numbers drop steeply.
Since the border clashes spilled over to the province of Siem Reap in Cambodia, once-busy streets in local main tourist destination Siem Reap have seen much fewer tour buses, with local hotels and restaurants suffering significantly dropped customer arrivals.
"Since the border clashes started, tourism in Siem Reap has been badly affected. Visitors from Europe and Asia have been continuously canceling their bookings," said Khiev Roth, a hotel manager in the city.
On a popular pub street, bar and restaurant staff said business has slumped after a brief recovery in November and early December.
"The border clashes have a big impact on tourist numbers. Recently very few customers came in. Fewer people come to the pub street in Siem Reap, and our massage shop's income has been roughly cut by half," said Srey Nich, who works at a massage shop.
"During the conflicts between Cambodia and Thailand, we saw a decline in tourist numbers too," said Sean Kolab, a restaurant manager.
At the ticket office of Cambodia's best-known heritage site Angkor Wat, peak-hour crowds have thinned, with only small groups of visitors in sight.
"In short, it is very quiet. It is supposed to be the peak season for tourism, but tourist arrivals have decreased and many visitors have canceled their bookings. It is much quieter than before," said Channy, a local guide.
Revenue from ticket sales and related industries is vital for the maintenance of Angkor Wat. Industry workers warn that prolonged conflict could deliver a double blow of reduced income and fewer resources for preservation.
The new round of Cambodia-Thailand border conflict erupted on Dec 7, with both sides accusing the other of initiating the attack.
Cambodia's tourism takes hit as border clashes with Thailand drag on
Cambodia's tourism takes hit as border clashes with Thailand drag on
