Chonburi’s governor was honored by Union Media of ASEAN for his work in improving relations with Cambodia during his previous stint in Sa Kaeo.
Nearly fifty press associations from Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Malaysia presented the award to Pakarathorn Thienchai at the Chonburi provincial hall Nov. 28.
The award was for Pakarathorn’s service as governor of Sa Kaeo from 2012-16. The former deputy governor of Chonburi returned to the province to take the big chair on Oct. 1.
UMA recognized Pakarathorn for his work to improve border trade and the problem of illegal Cambodian laborers working in Thailand at the Rong Klua Market.
The sprawling market in the border town of Aranyaprathet was the scene of a violent riot in February after Thai Department of Special Investigations officers raided dozens of stalls selling pirated merchandise. Twelve DSI officers were hurt.
The raid and subsequent arrests and crackdown on illegal traders by Thailand sparked weeks of protests by Cambodians and damaged the border economy.
The same market also was ravaged by fire in June, causing 10 million baht in damage.
