A protest economy emerges
By 10am, Siv Lin, the owner of a mobile food stall facing Phnom Penh’s Freedom Park, had prepared all the rice, pork, eggs and vegetables needed to serve yesterday’s regular lunch crowd.
It was a normal day. But on September 7, when thousands of opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party supporters amassed once again at the Freedom Park to dispute July’s election, the lunch queue was a little longer.
“My revenue doubled last Saturday,” the 65-year-old said. “I think it will be the same for many vendors at the upcoming rally,” she added, referring to the CNRP’s planned three-day event starting September 15. …
Almost all of the vendors brushed safety concerns aside. While some city residents and garment workers have avoided Phnom Penh in the election aftermath and embassies have warned foreigners to stay away, the entrepreneurial are seeing an opportunity. …
Most of the fresh profits poured into the modest food and beverage establishments around the park. But restaurants with higher prices and businesses that don’t sell food aren’t as happy. …
Hor Kimsay and Anne Renzenbrink
http://www.phnompenhpost.com/business/protest-economy-emerges
