The Central Market, known as Phsar Thmey, was constructed during the French colonial period in 1937. It was known as the largest market in Asia then. The Khmer Rouge did not destroy this large market despite its contradicting Khmer Rouge policies.  The Khmer Rouge was against the free market and banned sales. Instead, the market was turned into stables and food warehouse. In its vicinity, there were coconut trees as seen through the photographs of Gunnar Bergstrom, a Sweedish delegate who visited Cambodia when the Khmer Rouge was still in power. To the Khmer Rouge, fruitful plants were more beneficial than a city garden decorating the boulevard, which was a symbol of capitalism in the Sangkum Reastr Niyum.