Entering the outskirts of Run Ta Ek, the relocation site for the families who were living in Angkor Park, one can see locals selling various goods along the roadside. They display their items in front of their houses along secondary streets, organically creating small, bustling market environments. This practice is a quintessential aspect of Cambodian rural life.

During a visit to the area, it was clear these small, adhoc stalls see more business than the large centralized market that has been built by authorities. 

This central market has yet to attract buyers and sellers. Having a permanent market structure may be beneficial in the long term because it is durable and can attract more vendors and buyers; however, at the moment it is out of scale for the current economic activity and will prove challenging in the future to maintain and repair. 

The government’s stated master plan for Run Ta Ek is to transform this area into a “model city.” But creating a model city not only requires investments in infrastructure but also careful and considerate planning as to how residents will use spaces now and into the future. 

Instead of relying on a single, centralized market, authorities should consider creating smaller spaces that are convenient, close to where people live, and multi-purpose. These spaces could serve the purpose of village squares and would not just be for selling and buying but also for gathering, relaxing, and building a community.

Current State of Run Ta Ek

Currently, Run Ta Ek is developing its roads and building houses. Much of the site is hot and lacks shading to cool it down because the trees are newly planted and are still immature. Informal market stalls have popped up along the main entrance roads linking to Road 66, which seems more convenient for just the villagers who live nearby. 

Before relocating, many of the villagers were sellers, farmers, and construction workers, remaining busy from early morning until evening. Unfortunately, after 2-3 years of living in this new place, the villagers face high rates of unemployment and increasing hardship. Long Lung, a citizen who agreed to relocate from the Angkor park area said, “Here, no one is happy because there are no jobs.”

As of the site location, the numbers of the people moving in is still fluctuating. In early 2024, there were 6,711 families who lived in the two districts, but it may take years before the city reaches the desired population size and much longer before this community becomes prosperous enough to require a large commercial market structure like the one that has been built. 

The local economy is not yet developed enough to warrant a sophisticated concrete and steel market. Instead, they might start with something more traditional, similar to how most markets in Cambodia have been established. 

Since people only began moving into the area in 2022, it is challenging for new residents to focus on business development while they are still adjusting to their new homes and lifestyles. The authorities will play a crucial role in addressing the economic needs necessary for the full formation of a village. During this development process, it is important to begin with small, practical initiatives that are feasible for the villagers, before considering ways to attract outside tourists.

Ideally, there should be two types of markets serving the needs of Run Ta Ek’s residents. Firstly, a market with a simple roof structure which caters to retail stores, coffee shops, restaurants, hair and nail salons, and other businesses that require a permanent location. Secondly, a multifunctional, open space for temporary vendors selling fresh produce and daily necessities which can then double as social and entertaining space later in the day.

The village square

A multi-functional public space does not have to have a sophisticated design or be expensive to build.

One can imagine a village square, for instance, being placed under the canopy of a large tree with a cleanly paved or gravel area to create a welcoming and functional space. 

A raised, paved terrace would allow vegetable or meat venders to place their own Kan-Tel (Cambodia Mats) cleanly, in an organized manner and makes it easy to clean the space after use. If larger trees are not available, then a simple light roof structure using local materials and recycled items could be a cost-effective alternative while also giving the market a unique look.

The village square could function as a market in the morning, selling meat and vegetables to villagers for their daily needs. In the afternoon, it might transform into an open space for children to play in or for villagers to have local meetings, discussions, training, or entertainment activities. In the evening, the space might host prepared food sellers to gather and sell food to both locals and tourists which could contribute to nighttime activities.

Markets have long served a multi-functional purpose within Cambodian cities. In Battambang’s Wat Sophy Market 1, for instance, vendors operate a traditional market beneath a Khmer-style house. From early morning until late morning, this house serves as a bustling marketplace for the community. Afterward, the area is cleared, returning to its original function as a regular home.

If we travel through Preah Dak Village, we will see local people selling food, handmade products, and various other souvenirs crafted by the villagers. This village not only serves its residents but also attracts tourists visiting Siem Reap. Besides coming for the food and goods, some visitors also explore the village to observe how the products are made. Consequently, the village becomes even more appealing.

In July 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Preah Dak Market was closed due to the spread of the virus among vendors. Recognizing the market’s vital role in daily life, the administration of Banteay Srey District established a temporary market for the villagers. Because it operated only in the morning, this market, known as Phsar Kromoun, was set up along a low-traffic road as a street market.

Although this street market served the villagers for only a short period, it serves as an excellent example of forming an ad hoc open-air market. This approach is highly cost-effective and practical to implement.

What should we do with the existing Market Building?

The second type of commercial structure, for permanent shops and stores, should be constructed as a conventional market. However, rather than building just one large centralized location, smaller markets should be spread around the city of Run Ta Ek to ease commuting.

The scale of these structures should be much smaller to better fit the immediate demands of residents. To future-proof these markets, they should have a modular design, allowing them to expand organically, section by section, as demand gradually increases. 

First, we need a layout plan for the market so that the authority can maintain control. Then, we can consider the construction materials. For the ground surface, I suggest using brick and pebbles, as these materials are easy to find, cheaper, and more durable than tiles.

In the vegetable section, we can allocate spaces for sellers to prepare their own vendor areas, using items like Cambodia woven floor mats or stalls. Additionally, in the built-in section, a strong structure is necessary. I recommend using zinc sheets for the walls because they are cost-effective. However, zinc sheets absorb heat well, which may cause discomfort for users.

Alternatively, wood panels are a good option for the walls. Although they may be more expensive than zinc sheets, they provide a better experience for users, offering improved aesthetics and better heat management.

For the roof, I recommend using thatch, which has been a practical and affordable material in Cambodia especially for light structures due to its weight and durability. However, thatch roofs are susceptible to fire because of the dry, combustible nature of the material. To mitigate this risk, several fire prevention methods can be employed, including a roof sprinkler system, firebreaks in the layout design, and fire-resistant materials, such as clay or plaster, within the thatch to enhance its resistance to fire.

It is worth mentioning that the choice of material should depend on what the vendors and the market operator can afford. However, the market operator plays a crucial role in organizing vendor spaces to ensure positive growth. Given the population density in the district, the market operator does not need to construct the entire master plan initially. They can start with the current number of vendors and expand the market as planned. This approach will ensure that the market remains controlled and organized.

On the other hand, the existing market building, with its strong and large structure, can be repurposed even if temporarily. Located on high terrain, it can serve as a temporary shelter for people in case of emergencies like floods or storms or any unpredicted events.

The way forward

To transform Run Ta Ek into a model city, comprehensive planning is needed to support commercial activities. Rather than relying solely on a centralized market, creating multifunctional public spaces can serve both commercial and social purposes.

A village square could serve multiple functions, offering spaces for permanent businesses and temporary vendors. This approach will ensure the market meets local demand and provides areas for social interaction. These strategies will help create a sustainable and organized market environment, supporting economic growth and community well-being.

Note: Kimleng Yin is a Junior Research Fellow at Future Forum.