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New Straits Times
3 days ago
- New Straits Times
Angkor Wat gateway city faces downturn following conflict
CAMBODIA: The once-thriving tourism hub of Siem Reap, gateway to Cambodia's iconic Angkor Wat, is facing its sharpest downturn in years as the Cambodia–Thailand border conflict scares off visitors and drains the local economy. Flights to the city have plunged from 60 a day before the Covid-19 pandemic to just 16, hotel occupancy rates have collapsed, and entire streets of souvenir shops, tuk-tuks, and eateries sit idle. Operators say the usual mid-year low season has been worsened by the violence that reignited in late July over the long-disputed Preah Vihear temple area. The centuries-old dispute saw the International Court of Justice award sovereignty of the temple to Cambodia in 1962, but disagreements over surrounding land have repeatedly flared into clashes. The latest conflict has killed dozens, displaced more than 300,000 people, and prompted border closures and international travel warnings — even though Siem Reap lies far from the frontline. A general manager of a four-star hotel, who requested anonymity, told the New Straits Times during a visit from Aug 5 to 8 that the city had yet to recover from the pandemic before the conflict delivered another blow. "July is always low season, but this is far worse. We need urgent efforts to restore traveller confidence. Before Covid-19, we had 60 daily flights — now we have 16," he said. Tuk-tuk driver Hok, 45, said feeding his family of five had become a daily struggle. "Living costs are high here. Most tourists from Southeast Asia find Angkor Wat's US$57 (RM241) entrance fee too steep. Many just hire me for a ride around the temples instead of buying tickets," he said, adding that sweltering 35°C heat and evening rain have added to the slowdown. Airport shuttle ticket operator Sovann, 32, described the city as "in a tourism drought", with fewer flights deepening hotel and business losses. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has weighed in diplomatically, using Malaysia's standing in Asean to press both Cambodia and Thailand to de-escalate tensions and return to the negotiating table. Tourism operators here are pinning hopes on such efforts to restore stability and draw back international visitors. For now, Siem Reap's markets, hotels and temple grounds remain eerily quiet — a stark contrast to the bustling scenes before Covid-19 and the recent conflict.
The Star
06-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
CDC: Anthrax not present in Cambodia, despite Thai death
PHNOM PENH: Anthrax, a disease which predominantly affects cattle and buffalos, is not present in Cambodia, confirmed Ly Sovann, director of the Department of Communicable Disease Control (CDC). He reminded the public to remain cautious and prevent its spread by avoiding consumption of raw beef or buffalo meat and refraining from slaughtering sick animals for sale to prevent transmission. Thai media reported two cases of anthrax in Thailand last week, with one patient passing away — the first such death in 30 years — and another currently receiving treatment. The infections were linked to consuming raw beef contaminated with anthrax bacteria. An additional 247 people are under observation, according to The Nation Thailand. Sovann told The Post that anthrax is treatable if diagnosed accurately. The disease is spread through the consumption of raw infected meat or contact with grazing animals like cattle and buffalo. It manifests in three forms: cutaneous (skin), pulmonary (lungs) and gastrointestinal (stomach and intestines). No cases have been reported in Cambodia in recent years. However, outbreaks occurred in Laos' Champasak province and along the Thai-Lao border in 2024 and early 2025, according to Sovann. 'In Cambodia, we consistently implement preventive measures at borders with Thailand and Laos for both humans and animals, and we have not detected this disease in our country. Nevertheless, citizens should avoid slaughtering sick cattle for sale, as it could spread anthrax or other diseases. Sick animals like chickens, ducks, or cattle should be buried, not sold,' he said. He also urged citizens to avoid consuming meat from unclear sources and to contact the Ministry of Health at 115 to report suspected cases. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
