Fifty riels kills my dollars

By Moeun Chhean Nariddh

Ever since the Finance Ministry resurrected the small 50 riel note earlier this month the dollar has depreciated faster than the bombs dropped during the Indo-China war.

This has been recognized as good news for many but, unfortunately, not for the many dollars-spenders including myself.

It should be recalled that the 50 riel note disappeared from the markets last March, immediately after the funeral of its’ twin brother, the big 50, and after their ancestors, the 20s, the 10s and the fives, which went missing in action during the pre-election civil war.

Simultaneously, with the announcement of the reintroduction of the small 50s, the government began inserting a couple into the pay-packets of state employees.

However, shop-keepers are still reluctant to accept them.

In fact, the government has taken several steps to try and save the country’s economy.

It ordered traders to put price tags on their goods, but this did not work.

Speaking about the price of things, I can barely retain my anger and jealousy.

If the dollar continues to drop while the goods stay-unjustly-at the same price, I may have to get a riel job.

Phnom Penh Post, Issue 2/24, November 19 – December 2, 1993
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