Investors unfazed by Cambodia spat
Many companies in Cambodia believe the clashes between the two countries will not be protracted and should have only a short-term impact.
"Entrepreneurs in businesses such as garments, shoes, and food and beverages are monitoring the situation and have yet to consider withdrawing their investment from Cambodia," said Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the FTI.
He was speaking after the federation's recent talk with Thai companies in Cambodia. Many of them have no plans to revise their business direction in the country because they are operating with a long-term outlook, he said.
"The companies have only adjusted stock management as well as logistics and transport to suit the situation," said Mr Kriengkrai.
However, companies with labour-intensive manufacturing are concerned about a labour issue because they hire both Thai and Cambodian workers, who may engage in disputes with one another based on anger over attacks between Thai and Cambodian armed forces.
Thai investors hope the two governments solve their conflicts through negotiations to avoid an adverse economic impact, noted the FTI.
Thailand closed all border checkpoints along the Cambodian border, causing a loss of 500 million baht per day for border trade, said Mr Kriengkrai.
On July 24, seven people including two schoolchildren were killed in an attack on a 7-Eleven convenience store within a PTT petrol station compound in Si Sa Ket's Kantharalak district.
The petrol station is reportedly located 20 kilometres from the Cambodian border.
PTT Oil and Retail Business said after the incident it will comply with the safety measures set by the government to ensure its customers, employees and surrounding communities are safe.
The company operates many businesses in Cambodia, including retail oil sales and coffee shops.
None of the provinces that border Cambodia have large oil refineries or large oil and gas storage facilities.
However, officials have been instructed to ensure energy supplies are not affected as an energy shortage would worsen the situation, said Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga.
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