Border Conflict Damages 10 Cambodian Hotels and Apartments

The Ministry of Interior has reported that 10 hotels and apartments received damage during December’s border clashes with Thailand, with local authorities confirming the businesses were owned by Cambodians។

A total of 10 apartments and hotels in Cambodia were destroyed during the border conflict with Thailand from December 7 to 27, according to the Cambodian Ministry of Interior, which is continuing to assess the overall damage.

Hy Sothea, President of the Cambodia Hotel Association (CHA), told Kiripost that based on the report, all of the damaged properties are along the Cambodia-Thailand border, although CHA does not have any association chapters in those locations.

“So, unfortunately, we don’t have any information, including contacts regarding the hotel operators who are affected,” he said, adding that in Siem Reap, CHA is requesting for tax exemptions to be extended to support tourism businesses, especially hotels.

“The entire hotel industry in Cambodia is affected by the recent conflict due to the safety concerns from travellers,” Sothea added.

CHA was unable to identify any of the impacted businesses in the border areas. The Ministry of Interior was also unable to provide Kiripost with the names of the properties. Kiripost also contacted ministry spokesperson Touch Sokhak, but he did not respond at the time of publication.

Among the 10 damaged properties, four are located in Preah Vihear province, Preah Vihear Deputy Governor Kim Chan Panha told Kiripost. “Two hotels and two guesthouses were destroyed during the recent fighting. To date, the owners haven’t received support from the government. However, it’s among our top priorities to support them.”

Confirming that the businesses are owned by Cambodians, Chan Panha said that local authorities’ first priority is to help citizens returning from refugee camps. The next step will focus on economic recovery.

When asked for details on the damage, he said he does not remember, adding, “We will consider the economic reform policy to support commercial, agricultural and business activities in the province.”

Meanwhile, Khoy Rida, Governor of Pursat province, said one hotel in the province has been damaged, which is under the government’s responsibility. He said he is unable to give any further information.

We contacted Tourism Ministry Undersecretary of State Kuch Pannhasa, but he did not respond at the time of publication. We was also unable to reach ministry spokesperson Hun Dany.