Siem Reap town – one of Cambodia’s biggest tourist destinations – faced yet another power outage yesterday after the provincial energy supplier cut power for 12 hours during the day.

Energy supplier Electricite du Cambodge (EdC) informed residents that power would be cut from 6am to 6pm as repair works on power lines went on across the border in Thailand, much to their chagrin.

Siem Reap requires more than 50 megawatts (MW) of power each day – much of which comes from Thailand, said Cheam Korsen, provincial EdC director, who added that during the cut yesterday, only 10MW was available.

“We appeal to all residents to be understanding and tolerant. Power will run after the repairs are done,” Korsen said.

In February, Siem Reap faced a four-day blackout after a road accident in Banteay Meanchey province resulted in 11 power line poles being flattened.

The cuts yesterday reminded residents of just that.

“We have no electricity, this is difficult for business and coping with the hot weather,” said Mey Da, 27, who runs an internet shop that was forced to close yesterday.

But other business owners tried to put a positive spin on things.

“The authorities told us they are fixing something,” said Hon Piseth, manager at the Friendly Villa hotel. “Yesterday there was no problem, and tomorrow it will be OK again.”

ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY DANSON CHEONG