The new original [-Thailand's dependence on Cambodian traders]

A large billboard advertises the ‘‘100% Rong Klua’’ market on a five-rai land plot in Muang district. PHOTOS BY ANURAK ROCHANIRO

The market offers a large collection of used sports shoes.

Second-hand golf clubs are among some of the bargains.

Pichai Chuwong of the Sa Kaeo Chamber of Commerce persuaded many Cambodian vendors to relocate their stalls.

Used fishing gear including spinning reels are on sale at the market.

Fans of Sa Kaeo's famed second-hand market at Rong Klua can now find the exact same bargains closer to the city

2/07/2011

Anurak Rochanirom

Bangkok Post

The Rong Klua market in Sa Kaeo province, bordering Cambodia, is well-known as one of Thailand's biggest markets of second-hand imported products.

It gathers famous brand-name products from Japan, South Korea and European countries.

Now authorities in nearby Nakhon Nayok have set up their own version of the market, and brought in Cambodian traders from the original Rong Klua market to stimulate the economy.

Traders, helped by provincial officials, opened the market at Wat Phrammanee temple, more commonly known as Wat Luang Phor Pak Daeng temple, in Muang district.

Nakhon Nayok is about 100 kilometres from Bangkok, close enough to draw tourists from the city.

The temple attracts worshippers who pay homage to the Luang Phor Pak Daeng (red-lipped) Buddha image.

Nakhon Nayok authorities have brought Cambodian traders and traders from the original Rong Klua market, which is nearly 300km from Bangkok.

The market stands out with a large billboard advertising "100% Rong Klua" on a five-rai land plot.

Kriengsak Kaenpho, manager of the branch known by its full name of Rong Klua Luang Phor Pak Daeng market, said Nakhon Nayok governor Suthipong Julcharoen along with Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) management asked Phra Suthee Phrommakhun, abbot of Wat Luang Phor Pak Daeng, about the market project.

The abbot allowed the market to be developed on the temple land.

Initially, the market emerged in the form of tents. It failed to draw shoppers who thought it was too small with a limited choice of products on offer.

The temple decided to build a better version of the market with permanent shops, stalls and clean toilets.

Much bigger crowds now visit.

A new, air-conditioned section has been added, selling information technology equipment and electrical appliances.

Pichai Chuwong, a member of the Sa Kaeo Chamber of Commerce, brought Cambodian traders from the original Rong Klua market to Nakhon Nayok, more than 100km from the Thai-Cambodian border.

Mr Pichai, a major importer of used products and a leading businessman at the Rong Klua market, said Athicha Rojanasuwan, former director of the TAT's office in Nakhon Nayok, had first discussed with him the possibility of opening a second Rong Klua market in Nakhon Nayok.

He agreed with the idea on condition that people in Nakhon Nayok be offered space at the market, and that Cambodian traders from the original Rong Klua market also be allowed to set up stalls.

The provincial office promised full support, as Mr Pichai persuaded 10 traders from the Rong Klua market to "branch out" into Nakhon Nayok.

"I told them they did not have to worry as rents would be cheaper.

"It is a tourist destination near Bangkok and provincial authorities promised to support the project," Mr Pichai said.

Only "grade A and B" products are available at the second market. Second-hand products include brand-name handbags, dresses and shoes.

Also on offer are dishes, bowls, snacks, golf clubs and fishing rods from China. Buyers can bargain with Cambodian traders, who speak Thai fluently.

More than 200 Thai and Cambodian traders now run more than 100 shops and stalls at the flourishing market, which is crowded on weekends and during festivals.

They sell second-hand items brought from the original market near the border. Many of the items, sourced originally from Cambodia, were donated by developed countries including Japan, European countries and the United States.

The donated goods are transported by sea to Kampong Som port in Cambodia.

The cargoes arrive in containers and are put up for auction. Cambodian traders buy them, and take the goods to the Rong Klua market where Thai traders buy them by the sackload.

The management of Sophon Pattana Karnkha Co, which runs the market in Nakhon Nayok, estimates that over 20 million baht worth of goods changes hands at the market every year.

One Cambodian trader, Tara, said she followed Mr Pichai to the market in Nakhon Nayok where she now operates a brisk business selling bowls and kitchenware.

She switched from the Rong Klua market in Sa Kaeo to save on rent.

Her mother, a former teacher in Phnom Pen, and her younger sister help her run the shop. She dreams of saving enough money to build a home in Phnom Penh.

Another Cambodian trader, who gave his name as Piroon, first came to the market in Nakhon Nayok to help his uncle sell used shoes.

He now runs his own shop selling snacks and canned foods imported from China, the US and Europe.

Like many Cambodian traders at the market, Mr Piroon runs the shop with the help of his siblings.

They live together in a small rented room and bathe at the market.

Most Cambodian traders at the Rong Klua Luang Phor Pak Daeng market stay with family members, including children, who speak enough Thai to communicate with customers.

Many Cambodian traders have said they want bilateral ties to improve as their lives depend on stable and regular border trade.