Phnom Penh: From ghost city to boomtown, but at a price

[geovalin]

PHNOM PENH (AFP) - From glitzy malls and high-rise flats to five-star hotels, a luxury building boom in Phnom Penh is transforming a capital once reduced to a ghost town into one of Asia's fastest growing cities.

Inside the recently opened Aeon Mall in the heart of Phnom Penh, Cambodia's first mega shopping centre, shoppers and curious residents flock to see the latest Levi's and Giordano handbags, snapping selfies in front of a giant Christmas tree.

It is a common scene across much of South-east Asia but was previously unimaginable for many in Cambodia where around 20 per cent of people still live on less than US$1.25 (S$1.77) per day.

But while poverty remains entrenched, a fast-growing middle class and elite are increasingly looking for local ways to spend their cash.

"I am glad we have such a modern mall in Phnom Penh. It shows the city is growing," says 20-year-old Bopha, a well-heeled university student who said her family made more than $1 million in a recent land sale.

Bopha said she used to have to travel to Thailand and Singapore for her shopping trips but that was now changing.

"Their cities are crowded with high-rise towers. I think we are heading in the same direction to be like them," she beamed.

Full story: http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/phnom-penh-from-ghost-city-to-boomtown-but-at-a-price

[Chicog]

Does the "fair use" rule not apply to mods then?

[Jip99]

Phnom Penh has potential.

[vrskrng]

Phnom Penh has potential.

for Chinese and Singaporeans