Borai Resort

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History

The area is renowned for its gemstone mining (rubies and sapphires) and gem trade which made Bo Rai prosper and grow. From the 1960s until the beginning of the 1990s the town experienced an economic boom, which was ended almost overnight with the exhaustion of the mining fields through plundering. The economic depression that followed was further increased by the downfall of the Khmer Rouge and the subsequent end of the border trafficking of goods and gems.

Once the centre of Thailand's gem trade, Bo Rai is now but a shadow of its former glory, yet some hope is seen in the migrating refugees coming from the troubled South. There have been attempts at economic conversion, such as the cultivation of rubber trees. There are rumours of a new Thai-Cambodian border crossing being opened in the near future, a thing welcomed and hoped for by the local population.

Quite recently, the town has had newcomers settling down and opening new businesses and the once rundown merchant houses are open again. The new mayor has had a reviving effect on the town, a new project called Bor Ploy Health Club has been opened close to Dan Chumphon - Saen Tung road intersection.

 

A general view over Amphoe Bo Rai. In the background, the Cambodian Khao Banthat Mountains

Sights

There is a big Buddhist temple in the city called Wat Bo Phloi and a brand new Fresh-food Market Talat Sot opened just 2006 . On Wednesdays there is a Talat Nat (weekly market), with vendors coming from as far as the neighbouring Cambodia. There is a public park Suan Sukkhaphap, a hospital, many schools, a public library as well as an astonishing number of beauty parlours scattered all over town. 

About nine kilometres from the town, there is a tiny but well kept National Park called Namtok Khlong Kaeo (Thai น้ำตกคลองแก้ว). Admission is 100 Bath for foreigners. A paved path leads up to the source of the waterfall, about 800 metres above sea level. The visitor is rewarded with a stunning view over the landscape with groves and rubber plantation as far as the eye can see.