The penh is mighty
The Cambodian capital is rising out of its troubled past as skyscrapers swank, night spots and mega-malls move in, but behind the facade of progress lies darker realities for some
- Published: 20/11/2011 at 02:48 AM
- Newspaper section: Brunch
It's common for Phnom Penh to be compared to "Bangkok as it was a few decades ago", and indeed there is the sense that the city, largely comprised of shophouses, low-rise buildings and temples, is on the metropolis trek. The city's broad promenades and French colonial buildings that led to it being dubbed the "Pearl of Asia" in the early half of the century are giving way to mega-malls and major commercial developments just as Bangkok's streets did.
PHOTOS: CATTLEYA JARUTHAVEE
In a country where the first escalator had its inaugural run to much fanfare only in 2003, development is hurtling forward and there are fears _ as there were in Bangkok 20 years ago _ that it is outpacing the city's ability to cope with the changes.
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About the author
- Writer: Cattleya Jaruthavee
