Economy
Until the Khmer Rouge disrupted neighbouring Cambodia in 1975, Aranyaprathet was a stop on the railroad connecting Bangkok with the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh. Aranyaprathet maintains its rail link with Bangkok but Poipet, the neighbouring Cambodian town, is still yet to see any rail activity since the Khmer Rouge destroyed the track.
Southeast of central Aranyaprathet, 6 km away, is the busiest border crossing between Cambodia and Thailand. In addition to being on a major trade route, the border sees much activity touristwise as it is on the road between Bangkok and Siem Reap, the town nearest Angkor Wat.
Aran, as the town is known in Thailand, has been affected by the growth of the gambling industry in Poipet. Despite gambling being illegal in both Thailand and Cambodia, the Cambodian government has granted concessions for casinos to be built at many of its land crossings. Cambodians are not permitted to gamble in the casinos. Poipet's proximity to Bangkok (3-5 hrs by road) has made it the most popular of these border casino areas. It now hosts seven casinos. The popularity of the casinos has increased real estate prices in Aranyaprathet.
Read more about this topic: Aranyaprathet District
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