Rong Kluea Market Vendors Request Rent Reductions Amid Border Closure

On August 6, 2026, vendors operating at the Rong Kluea Market in Aranyaprathet, Sa Kaeo, submitted a formal request to the Sa Kaeo Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO) seeking a reduction in rental fees. According to Khaosod Online Thailand, the business owners are struggling to maintain operations following the closure of the Thailand-Cambodia border, which has led to a sharp decrease in both customer traffic and tourist arrivals.

Representatives for the vendors have proposed lowering the current rent from 140 baht per square meter to a maximum of 80 baht per square meter. Additionally, they have requested a deferment of new lease agreements until the border officially reopens. The vendors stated that the current economic downturn has severely impacted their purchasing power, making it impossible to cover fixed costs such as labor and existing rent rates. They are urging the PAO to maintain the reduced rate even after the border reopens to support the long-term recovery of the local economy.

For travelers and residents, this situation highlights the ongoing economic challenges in border regions. While the market remains a point of interest, visitors should be aware that trade activity is currently suppressed. It remains to be confirmed how the Sa Kaeo PAO will respond to these requests and whether any formal adjustments to rental policies will be implemented.