Wednesday, March 04, 2009

Confrontation on the Tonle Sap

03 March 2009
By Nhim Sophal Cambodge Soir Hebdo Translated from French by Luc Sâr Click here to read the article in French

“We wanted to be treated on the same footing as they are,” Vorn Pov, President of the Democratic Association for Independent Non-formal Economy, claimed. A South-Korean company, which is operating more than 100 boats, seems to be monopolizing the local market, and by doing so, it tries to push aside its competitors, in particular those belonging to the Association of Chong Khneas Tourist Boats.

The Siem Reap authority had to intervene to bring back order. “This problem will be resolved without violence, but we don’t want any anarchy. The (boat) transportation business will remain a free market,” Bun Tharith, the deputy-governor for Siem Reap province, promised.

In Chong Khneas, troubles sometimes turn into open confrontations that take tourists by surprise and force them to quickly get off the boat.

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