Thai firm proposes Phom Penh parking lot and market

Deputy municipal governor Chreang Sophann told local news reporters that the proposal by the company, Trade International, is under consideration.

"I support all kinds of investment in the city but we must first study the impact," he said. "For Phnom Penh to have an underground market and parking lot would be attractive to investors and show the leadership of the government, while it would improve the beauty of the city and create more jobs."

Phnom Penh Municipal Hall spokesman Long Dimanche stressed that the plan is still at the discussion stage. "It could benefit the city a lot, but we must first study the documents and see if we think the plan is good," he said.

The Old Market area, west of the Night Market, has long been touted as a potential neighbourhood for redevelopment.

Municipal Hall announced in January last year that it would build an eight-story car park on the site, relocating the market to two underground floors, state media reported at the time.