Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s breathtaking ancient wonder, should be bustling with visitors during high season. Instead, its magnificent stone structures echo with an unusual quiet. The reason? Deadly border clashes with Thailand, combined with alarming headlines about regional scam networks, are taking a heavy toll on Cambodia’s vital tourism industry.
For tour guides like Bun Ratana in Siem Reap, just a short drive from the Thai border, work has dried up. His income plummeted by 80% this December compared to last year, leaving him with just $150. Tuk-tuk drivers and souvenir vendors tell similar stories of halved earnings and disappearing crowds. Ticket sales to the Angkor archaeological park have dropped significantly, with overland crossings shut down and tour bookings cancelled.
The conflict, rooted in a long-standing border dispute, has created a climate of fear. While some foreign visitors bravely arrive, feeling safe within Siem Reap, the widespread media reports about both the fighting and criminal “cyberscam” compounds operating in the region have undeniably scared many away. Experts confirm that while Cambodia’s main tourist areas are generally safe, these negative headlines have done significant damage. Thailand’s tourism is also feeling the pinch.
Tourism accounts for a tenth of Cambodia’s GDP, making the current quietness devastating for countless livelihoods. Local officials and industry experts are hopeful, believing that once peace returns to the border, visitors will flock back to Angkor’s magnificent temples. For now, the silent temples stand as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and the power of perception.
Source: https://japantoday.com/category/world/thai-border-clashes-hit-tourism-at-cambodia’s-angkor-temples
