Border protest shuts down Aranyaprathet checkpoint

[Lite Beer]

Border protest shuts down Aranyaprathet checkpoint

Thai security officials ordered the temporary closure of the border checkpoint at Aranyapraythet Saturday after more than 300 Cambodian labour and border traders protested the Thai authorities over tightened checks on their second-hand merchandises wheeled in for sale at the Talad Rong Kluea market.

The protesters were angry at Thai authorities saying the check was time consuming, thus causing pushcart traffic with their merchandises on board get stuck in a long queue of over a kilometre awaiting their turns for check before being allowed to cross over to the Thai side market for sale.

Thai border security stepped up checks on merchandises from Cambodia to sell at Talad Rong Kluea market after they seized huge volume of counterfeit brand-name merchandises hidden among cargoes the Cambodian traders declared as second hand clothes on Thursday.

The counterfeit goods were contained in bags loaded in pushcarts wheeled across the border from Poi Pet to Aranyaprathet’s Talad Rong Kluea market.
The protest started in the morning when Cambodian labour blockaded the Thai-Cambodian Friendship Bridge and demanded the release of their colleagues arrested Thursday on charge of smuggling counterfeit brand name goods into Thailand.

The blockade of the bridge stranded several cargo trucks from Thailand to Cambodia, and also trucks from Cambodia.
But talk could not start as both sides could not communicate because they didn’t understand their languages.

The governor of Poi Pet was alerted and came to negotiate.
However the talk failed when the Cambodian labour insisted on the release of their colleagues and also demand the easing of the stricter check on their cargoes by Thai Customs officials.
The Cambodian labour and border traders then blocked the Aranyaprathet checkpoint on the Cambodian side with more pushcarts.

The blockade forced Thai border authorities to close the checkpoint immediately and ban all entries.
They also told Thai tourists with plan to visit Poi Pet to call off their travels, and Thai gamblers at Poi Pet to return to the Thai border for safety reason.
Many tourist cars and cargo trucks were also stranded at Poi Pet while Cambodian cars were also stranded on the Thai side.

By night fall, it was not known if the protesters remained on the closed bridge or not, as Thai authorities have shut all entrances, and exits to Cambodia from the border.
However the angry protesters were heard shouting abuses on Thai authorities.
Authorities advised late in the evening that Thai tourists put off their scheduled travels to Cambodia through Aranyaprathet checkpoint temporarily until the situation returns normal.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/border-protest-shuts-aranyaprathet-checkpoint/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=border-protest-shuts-aranyaprathet-checkpoint

-- Thai PBS 2014-08-16

[Thai at Heart]

The Cambodians are complaining about the Thais stopping them importing stuff to sell?

Last time I looked I couldn't just bring stuff into Thailand to flog for cash.

[ratcatcher]

Thai border security stepped up checks on merchandises from Cambodia to sell at Talad Rong Kluea market after they seized huge volume of counterfeit brand-name merchandises hidden among cargoes the Cambodian traders declared as second hand clothes on Thursday.

Is this 'brand name' counterfeit merchandise ending up in Thai retail outlets or are the Khmers merely peddling the stuff at Rong Kluea market?

Since Cambodia has a relatively small population by comparison with Thailand, where does all this "used' clothing originate? The Sally Ann, NYC?

[crazygreg44]

Thai border security stepped up checks on merchandises from Cambodia to sell at Talad Rong Kluea market after they seized huge volume of counterfeit brand-name merchandises hidden among cargoes the Cambodian traders declared as second hand clothes on Thursday.

Is this 'brand name' counterfeit merchandise ending up in Thai retail outlets or are the Khmers merely peddling the stuff at Rong Kluea market?

Since Cambodia has a relatively small population by comparison with Thailand, where does all this "used' clothing originate? The Sally Ann, NYC?

if you have never been there ( the Rongkluea Market) I don't blame you for not knowing. It's a very very weird universe on it's own.

All or MOST of these second hand clothes, shoes, socks, tees and Army&Hunter garments are FROM THE U.S.A.

After, inside the U.S.A., all sizes XXL to XXXXL have been sorted out (these sizes go to Africa, as the population there is taller), the rest gets shipped to 3rd world country shores, preferably Cambodia. There literally must be HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of PIECES of clothes leaving US shores EVERY MONTH, with destination Asia.

These clothes have been donated to charities inside the U.S. and then been handed along. The U.S.A. ship them to Cambodia all free for the Cambodian people. But the clothes never reach the people they are intended for.

Once in Cambodia, the "ruling few" SELL the donated for free clothes to middle men, the millions of clothes get sold by the weight , maybe even by "sea container" !!

When the clothes have finally reached the Thai second hand Rongkluea market, they have already passed through the hands of a few more "midlemen". So you can imagine the donated clothes now cost the poor people they were donated for, quite a bit of $$donkeydough$$. For example, a 2nd hand Levis sells for 20-40 THB, depending how many you buy. You can buy them by the tens or hundreds or thousands. All your needs can be handled, no problem.

Maybe in the place you live in Thailand, you may have noticed most clothes stalls on "night markets" sell 2nd hand gear. These people either buy, again, from middle men, who have bought from Rongkluea. Actually MOST 2nd hand clothes that are traded on inside Thailand have passed this market, only excluding those that families hand on as second hand after buying them new at Tesco's and BigC's.

The Rongklua Market ist a MUST HAVE SEEN destination for anyone who is interested in Asian culture and trade. It's probably one of the world's largest second hand clothes market. You need days to have seen it all.

Even as a Farang, one can buy some VERY RARE pieces ( if you discover them!!) , some stall owners there are willing to sell you one piece out of the thousands they stock, if you wish so. But don't expect a wholesale price, as they are used to trade in hundreds.

Maybe if you have ever watched traffic anywhere in Thailand, you will discover many young thai guys riding motosais who are wearing a black t-shirt, and on it's back it says "BARNETT's Clutches" and the Harley Eagle, I assume Barnett T-shirt owners must be America's largest donator group of 'em all . . . . as this Tee is a common view on Thai roads.

I hope you re happy now I got that explained a tad and bring you enlightment.

Edited August 16, 2014 by crazygreg44

[Satcommlee]

Anybody that knows anything about the counterfeit business will tell you that Rong Kluea Market is the place to go for the cheapest prices!

I know guys that go there for Football Shirts to sell in the UK.

The cheapest must be the source surely??

Edited August 16, 2014 by Satcommlee

[Christie Paul]

If Thailand want to rid itself of so called fake goods ( and I don't see why it should) all it has to do is to have small team of folks who go around with the power confiscate them.

This is a joke.

[Lite Beer]

Cambodians block bridge, call for people to be freed
The Sunday Nation

Cambodians stage a protest at the border checkpoint opposite Sa Kaew

Sa Kaew: -- Some 300 Cambodian people held a protest at the Thai-Cambodian border checkpoint on the Thai-Cambodian Friendship Bridge opposite Sa Kaew province, demanding the release of some Cambodian merchants arrested by Thai officials on Thursday.

They also blockaded the bridge with 10 wooden trolleys, which resulted in long queues for vehicles on both sides of the border.

The blockade ended at 5pm and traffic across the border resumed as usual.

Negotiations between the two sides in the morning failed, while Tri Narin, the governor of Cambodia's Poipet municipality, told Thai officials that the group wanted the arrested Cambodian merchants to be released. Thai officials insisted that they had only done their duty when they arrested the Cambodian merchants for allegedly attempting to smuggle pirated goods into Thailand. They insisted they had never arrested any innocent Cambodian merchants.

Sa Kaew Governor Phakkharathon Thianchai later negotiated with his Cambodian counterpart, which brought an end to the protest. Phakkharathon said Cambodians might not understand the new tax collection system, which was also an issue that led to protest.

He said Thai authorities would for now use the previous system and prepare them for the new system. He, however, said that smuggling of pirated goods would be dealt with according to Thai law.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Cambodians-block-bridge-call-for-people-to-be-free-30241093.html

-- The Nation 2014-08-17

[Somtamnication]

The pot calling the kettle black. What a joke.

[chooka]

Just protecting local industry. Thailand is the hub of pirating and can't have outsiders threatening their industry.

[NongKhaiKid]

Anyway Thailand's cheap and nasty pirated goods are better quality than the cheap and nasty Cambodian stuff so keep them out to avoid LoS getting a bad name.

[BSJ]

If you go up the back lanes at Rong Kluea market you will see hundreds of bails of clothing in storage or being broken down to have the clothes washed and ironed. The wife enquired about the cost of a bail and was told it was 10000 baht (2012). When asked what the make up of the contents of a bail would be the guy had no idea....or just wasn't saying.

The stuff is all donated to charity and is ex U.S.A.

[Payboy]

Cambodians might not understand the new tax collection system

Of course, what else.

[bristolgeoff]

all the thais that use that border for going to the casino will be pissed.the places will be empty now

Edited August 17, 2014 by metisdead
Bold font removed again. Please stop using bold font when posting.

[Seastallion]

So, let me get this straight; The Cambodians are given the privilege of crossing the border to sell 2nd hand clothes and going home with money.

Some abused the privilege and got caught doing illegal stuff.

So a crackdown ensues which requires more thorough searches, which results in slower border crossing.

They now protest that their privilege of crossing the border with merchandise should not be hindered by searches, and they protest that smugglers were arrested.

They've had it too good too long and are spoiled.

If you want the privilege, follow the rules and accept the delays.

[chainarong]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Thai border security stepped up checks on merchandises from Cambodia to sell at Talad Rong Kluea market after they seized huge volume of counterfeit brand-name merchandises hidden among cargoes the Cambodian traders declared as second hand clothes on Thursday.

Is this 'brand name' counterfeit merchandise ending up in Thai retail outlets or are the Khmers merely peddling the stuff at Rong Kluea market?

Since Cambodia has a relatively small population by comparison with Thailand, where does all this "used' clothing originate? The Sally Ann, NYC?

if you have never been there ( the Rongkluea Market) I don't blame you for not knowing. It's a very very weird universe on it's own.

All or MOST of these second hand clothes, shoes, socks, tees and Army&Hunter garments are FROM THE U.S.A.

After, inside the U.S.A., all sizes XXL to XXXXL have been sorted out (these sizes go to Africa, as the population there is taller), the rest gets shipped to 3rd world country shores, preferably Cambodia. There literally must be HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of PIECES of clothes leaving US shores EVERY MONTH, with destination Asia.

These clothes have been donated to charities inside the U.S. and then been handed along. The U.S.A. ship them to Cambodia all free for the Cambodian people. But the clothes never reach the people they are intended for.

Once in Cambodia, the "ruling few" SELL the donated for free clothes to middle men, the millions of clothes get sold by the weight , maybe even by "sea container" !!

When the clothes have finally reached the Thai second hand Rongkluea market, they have already passed through the hands of a few more "midlemen". So you can imagine the donated clothes now cost the poor people they were donated for, quite a bit of $$donkeydough$$. For example, a 2nd hand Levis sells for 20-40 THB, depending how many you buy. You can buy them by the tens or hundreds or thousands. All your needs can be handled, no problem.

Maybe in the place you live in Thailand, you may have noticed most clothes stalls on "night markets" sell 2nd hand gear. These people either buy, again, from middle men, who have bought from Rongkluea. Actually MOST 2nd hand clothes that are traded on inside Thailand have passed this market, only excluding those that families hand on as second hand after buying them new at Tesco's and BigC's.

The Rongklua Market ist a MUST HAVE SEEN destination for anyone who is interested in Asian culture and trade. It's probably one of the world's largest second hand clothes market. You need days to have seen it all.

Even as a Farang, one can buy some VERY RARE pieces ( if you discover them!!) , some stall owners there are willing to sell you one piece out of the thousands they stock, if you wish so. But don't expect a wholesale price, as they are used to trade in hundreds.

Maybe if you have ever watched traffic anywhere in Thailand, you will discover many young thai guys riding motosais who are wearing a black t-shirt, and on it's back it says "BARNETT's Clutches" and the Harley Eagle, I assume Barnett T-shirt owners must be America's largest donator group of 'em all . . . . alt=rolleyes.gif> as this Tee is a common view on Thai roads.

I hope you re happy now I got that explained a tad and bring you enlightment.

Enlightment is the key word , interesting info.

[chooka]

Anyway Thailand's cheap and nasty pirated goods are better quality than the cheap and nasty Cambodian stuff so keep them out to avoid LoS getting a bad name.

Bought a copy of Gaudians of the Galaxy in Myanmar last week excellent quality

[Fookhaht]

The border officials: "...couldn't negotiate due to language differences..."

vs.

Cambodian vendor/protesters "...hurled abuses at Thais..."

Time for a little language training for our border guards? Maybe take some classes from the vendors?

In 12 years of teaching Thai university students, I have yet to find a student who can speak one sentence, or even a simple greeting phrase in Khmer. Most do not know that most of northeast Thailand was ruled for centuries by the Khmer, despite the plethora of Khmer ruins.

Lack of education about Thailand's nearest neighbors contributes a great deal to tensions in the region.

Edited August 17, 2014 by Fookhaht

[jcisco]

Just protecting local industry. Thailand is the hub of pirating and can't have outsiders threatening their industry.

Man you finding a perspective better than cynicism or apathy a bridge to far these days.

Not saying I there anything wrong with saying it how it is, but you..... ahh screw it is exactly as you say it is.

Sadly the nation is rather coin operated.

[FangFerang]

The border officials: "...couldn't negotiate due to language differences..."

vs.

Cambodian vendor/protesters "...hurled abuses at Thais..."

Time for a little language training for our border guards? Maybe take some classes from the vendors?

In 12 years of teaching Thai university students, I have yet to find a student who can speak one sentence, or even a simple greeting phrase in Khmer. Most do not know that most of northeast Thailand was ruled for centuries by the Khmer, despite the plethora of Khmer ruins.

Lack of education about Thailand's nearest neighbors contributes a great deal to tensions in the region.

I completely agree -- Thailand is very insular and provincial. My students believe that all SE Asian cultures 'copied' Thailand's culture, dance, architecture, and music.

Amazing Thailand.

[EnzoRippo]

Thai border security stepped up checks on merchandises from Cambodia to sell at Talad Rong Kluea market after they seized huge volume of counterfeit brand-name merchandises hidden among cargoes the Cambodian traders declared as second hand clothes on Thursday.

Is this 'brand name' counterfeit merchandise ending up in Thai retail outlets or are the Khmers merely peddling the stuff at Rong Kluea market?

Since Cambodia has a relatively small population by comparison with Thailand, where does all this "used' clothing originate? The Sally Ann, NYC?

if you have never been there ( the Rongkluea Market) I don't blame you for not knowing. It's a very very weird universe on it's own.

All or MOST of these second hand clothes, shoes, socks, tees and Army&Hunter garments are FROM THE U.S.A.

After, inside the U.S.A., all sizes XXL to XXXXL have been sorted out (these sizes go to Africa, as the population there is taller), the rest gets shipped to 3rd world country shores, preferably Cambodia. There literally must be HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of PIECES of clothes leaving US shores EVERY MONTH, with destination Asia.

These clothes have been donated to charities inside the U.S. and then been handed along. The U.S.A. ship them to Cambodia all free for the Cambodian people. But the clothes never reach the people they are intended for.

Once in Cambodia, the "ruling few" SELL the donated for free clothes to middle men, the millions of clothes get sold by the weight , maybe even by "sea container" !!

When the clothes have finally reached the Thai second hand Rongkluea market, they have already passed through the hands of a few more "midlemen". So you can imagine the donated clothes now cost the poor people they were donated for, quite a bit of $$donkeydough$$. For example, a 2nd hand Levis sells for 20-40 THB, depending how many you buy. You can buy them by the tens or hundreds or thousands. All your needs can be handled, no problem.

Maybe in the place you live in Thailand, you may have noticed most clothes stalls on "night markets" sell 2nd hand gear. These people either buy, again, from middle men, who have bought from Rongkluea. Actually MOST 2nd hand clothes that are traded on inside Thailand have passed this market, only excluding those that families hand on as second hand after buying them new at Tesco's and BigC's.

The Rongklua Market ist a MUST HAVE SEEN destination for anyone who is interested in Asian culture and trade. It's probably one of the world's largest second hand clothes market. You need days to have seen it all.

Even as a Farang, one can buy some VERY RARE pieces ( if you discover them!!) , some stall owners there are willing to sell you one piece out of the thousands they stock, if you wish so. But don't expect a wholesale price, as they are used to trade in hundreds.

Maybe if you have ever watched traffic anywhere in Thailand, you will discover many young thai guys riding motosais who are wearing a black t-shirt, and on it's back it says "BARNETT's Clutches" and the Harley Eagle, I assume Barnett T-shirt owners must be America's largest donator group of 'em all . . . . as this Tee is a common view on Thai roads.

I hope you re happy now I got that explained a tad and bring you enlightment.

You explain very well and I guaranty that this is true.

I'd add that the stuff you mention are not FAKES, they are 2nd hand but genuine. More genuine than the Thai ugly fakes.

Anyway, in some countries (maybe Thailand), people prefer to buy good quality 2nd hand than ugly cheap fakes.

[ratcatcher]

Thai border security stepped up checks on merchandises from Cambodia to sell at Talad Rong Kluea market after they seized huge volume of counterfeit brand-name merchandises hidden among cargoes the Cambodian traders declared as second hand clothes on Thursday.

Is this 'brand name' counterfeit merchandise ending up in Thai retail outlets or are the Khmers merely peddling the stuff at Rong Kluea market?

Since Cambodia has a relatively small population by comparison with Thailand, where does all this "used' clothing originate? The Sally Ann, NYC?

if you have never been there ( the Rongkluea Market) I don't blame you for not knowing. It's a very very weird universe on it's own.

All or MOST of these second hand clothes, shoes, socks, tees and Army&Hunter garments are FROM THE U.S.A.

After, inside the U.S.A., all sizes XXL to XXXXL have been sorted out (these sizes go to Africa, as the population there is taller), the rest gets shipped to 3rd world country shores, preferably Cambodia. There literally must be HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of PIECES of clothes leaving US shores EVERY MONTH, with destination Asia.

These clothes have been donated to charities inside the U.S. and then been handed along. The U.S.A. ship them to Cambodia all free for the Cambodian people. But the clothes never reach the people they are intended for.

Once in Cambodia, the "ruling few" SELL the donated for free clothes to middle men, the millions of clothes get sold by the weight , maybe even by "sea container" !!

When the clothes have finally reached the Thai second hand Rongkluea market, they have already passed through the hands of a few more "midlemen". So you can imagine the donated clothes now cost the poor people they were donated for, quite a bit of $$donkeydough$$. For example, a 2nd hand Levis sells for 20-40 THB, depending how many you buy. You can buy them by the tens or hundreds or thousands. All your needs can be handled, no problem.

Maybe in the place you live in Thailand, you may have noticed most clothes stalls on "night markets" sell 2nd hand gear. These people either buy, again, from middle men, who have bought from Rongkluea. Actually MOST 2nd hand clothes that are traded on inside Thailand have passed this market, only excluding those that families hand on as second hand after buying them new at Tesco's and BigC's.

The Rongklua Market ist a MUST HAVE SEEN destination for anyone who is interested in Asian culture and trade. It's probably one of the world's largest second hand clothes market. You need days to have seen it all.

Even as a Farang, one can buy some VERY RARE pieces ( if you discover them!!) , some stall owners there are willing to sell you one piece out of the thousands they stock, if you wish so. But don't expect a wholesale price, as they are used to trade in hundreds.

Maybe if you have ever watched traffic anywhere in Thailand, you will discover many young thai guys riding motosais who are wearing a black t-shirt, and on it's back it says "BARNETT's Clutches" and the Harley Eagle, I assume Barnett T-shirt owners must be America's largest donator group of 'em all . . . . as this Tee is a common view on Thai roads.

I hope you re happy now I got that explained a tad and bring you enlightment.

My wife and I have been to Rong Kluea several times and not spent enough time there, but I thank you for the well written explanation of how things seem to work. I never realized the enormity of the place and the throughput. It is a pity that the generosity of the US people and other donors is not actually reaching the intended people. Rather the middlemen take a huge cut first, as usual.

Good post.

[Jeremy50]

If you go up the back lanes at Rong Kluea market you will see hundreds of bails of clothing in storage or being broken down to have the clothes washed and ironed. The wife enquired about the cost of a bail and was told it was 10000 baht (2012). When asked what the make up of the contents of a bail would be the guy had no idea....or just wasn't saying.

The stuff is all donated to charity and is ex U.S.A.

Why would they send XXXXXL size clothes to Cambodia?

[ratcatcher]

If you go up the back lanes at Rong Kluea market you will see hundreds of bails of clothing in storage or being broken down to have the clothes washed and ironed. The wife enquired about the cost of a bail and was told it was 10000 baht (2012). When asked what the make up of the contents of a bail would be the guy had no idea....or just wasn't saying.

The stuff is all donated to charity and is ex U.S.A.

Why would they send XXXXXL size clothes to Cambodia?

After, inside the U.S.A., all sizes XXL to XXXXL have been sorted out (these sizes go to Africa, as the population there is taller), the rest gets shipped to 3rd world country shores, preferably Cambodia.

Clearer now?

[trogers]

Why do the Cambodian merchants not set up shop on their side of the border? Doing so will not raise the need for tedious custom checks by the Thais.

[ratcatcher]

Why do the Cambodian merchants not set up shop on their side of the border? Doing so will not raise the need for tedious custom checks by the Thais.

But it will then raise the need for tedious customs and immigration checks by the Khmers.

[than]

Thailand is Rule the law and now respect international copyright law, I'm not see why Cambodia want to sell fake goods in Thailand.

[trogers]

Why do the Cambodian merchants not set up shop on their side of the border? Doing so will not raise the need for tedious custom checks by the Thais.

But it will then raise the need for tedious customs and immigration checks by the Khmers.

Checks on who? The people with the money can decide if they want to face the bother and vote with their feet.

[Lite Beer]

Aranyaprathet-Poipet border point reopens as normal

Cross-border trading between Thailand and Cambodia resumes as normal after the Aranyaprathet-Poipet border point was reopened this morning.

Hundreds of Cambodians were seen gathering at the border checkpoint awaiting for border passes from the Thai immigration office to travel to Rong Klua market on the Thai side of the border.

The resumption of border trading followed the closure of the border on Saturday after a group of Cambodian traders rallied at the border to protest against the arrest of 18 Cambodians by Thai police and paramilitary rangers on smuggling charges on August 14.

The Thai authorities found smuggled goods hidden in sacks of second-hand garments brought into the Thai side of the border by the 18 Cambodians.

Later on, Cambodian immigration officials tried to bail out the 18 suspects but this was rejected by the Thai police claiming that the suspects would have to be tried in the court first.

Talk was later held between Sa Kaew governor Pakkarathorn Thienchai and his Cambodian counterpart of Bantey Meanchey. It was reported that the Thai side would withhold the imposition of a new tax system and would not make any more arrests but the 18 detained Cambodians would face trial.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/aranyaprathet-poipet-border-point-reopens-normal/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=aranyaprathet-poipet-border-point-reopens-normal

-- Thai PBS 2014-08-17

[jerome2]

I got many10 dollars sheep skin from new zeland charity there ....perfect for winter in LOEI

Who would give sheepskin to help cambodia ...it 's hot all year there

[Wat dee]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Thai border security stepped up checks on merchandises from Cambodia to sell at Talad Rong Kluea market after they seized huge volume of counterfeit brand-name merchandises hidden among cargoes the Cambodian traders declared as second hand clothes on Thursday.

Is this 'brand name' counterfeit merchandise ending up in Thai retail outlets or are the Khmers merely peddling the stuff at Rong Kluea market?

Since Cambodia has a relatively small population by comparison with Thailand, where does all this "used' clothing originate? The Sally Ann, NYC?

if you have never been there ( the Rongkluea Market) I don't blame you for not knowing. It's a very very weird universe on it's own.

All or MOST of these second hand clothes, shoes, socks, tees and Army&Hunter garments are FROM THE U.S.A.

After, inside the U.S.A., all sizes XXL to XXXXL have been sorted out (these sizes go to Africa, as the population there is taller), the rest gets shipped to 3rd world country shores, preferably Cambodia. There literally must be HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of PIECES of clothes leaving US shores EVERY MONTH, with destination Asia.

These clothes have been donated to charities inside the U.S. and then been handed along. The U.S.A. ship them to Cambodia all free for the Cambodian people. But the clothes never reach the people they are intended for.

Once in Cambodia, the "ruling few" SELL the donated for free clothes to middle men, the millions of clothes get sold by the weight , maybe even by "sea container" !!

When the clothes have finally reached the Thai second hand Rongkluea market, they have already passed through the hands of a few more "midlemen". So you can imagine the donated clothes now cost the poor people they were donated for, quite a bit of $$donkeydough$$. For example, a 2nd hand Levis sells for 20-40 THB, depending how many you buy. You can buy them by the tens or hundreds or thousands. All your needs can be handled, no problem.

Maybe in the place you live in Thailand, you may have noticed most clothes stalls on "night markets" sell 2nd hand gear. These people either buy, again, from middle men, who have bought from Rongkluea. Actually MOST 2nd hand clothes that are traded on inside Thailand have passed this market, only excluding those that families hand on as second hand after buying them new at Tesco's and BigC's.

The Rongklua Market ist a MUST HAVE SEEN destination for anyone who is interested in Asian culture and trade. It's probably one of the world's largest second hand clothes market. You need days to have seen it all.

Even as a Farang, one can buy some VERY RARE pieces ( if you discover them!!) , some stall owners there are willing to sell you one piece out of the thousands they stock, if you wish so. But don't expect a wholesale price, as they are used to trade in hundreds.

Maybe if you have ever watched traffic anywhere in Thailand, you will discover many young thai guys riding motosais who are wearing a black t-shirt, and on it's back it says "BARNETT's Clutches" and the Harley Eagle, I assume Barnett T-shirt owners must be America's largest donator group of 'em all . . . . alt=rolleyes.gif> as this Tee is a common view on Thai roads.

I hope you re happy now I got that explained a tad and bring you enlightment.

Enlightment is the key word , interesting info

Most of the products, 90+%,are new.