Thai-Cambodia clash threatens regional apparel hub

With reports of dozens killed and over 150,000 people displaced, the once quiet border has erupted, directly impacting labour flows and material sourcing for an industry crucial to both economies.

Thailand’s textile and garment sector, a significant value-add hub for exports to key markets like Japan, the EU, and the U.S., relies heavily on Cambodia. In Thailand’s Sa Kaeo province, thousands of Cambodian workers commute daily or reside in dormitories to work in Thai-owned factories. Many of these facilities also depend on raw materials and semi-processed inputs from Cambodia.