Cambodia's PM Explicitly Bans Casino Operations in Siem Reap

Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia has declared that license applications for casino operations in the heritage province of Siem Reap will be unequivocally rejected. During his attendance at the official inauguration ceremony of "Luang Mae Hospital" in Phnom Penh, the Prime Minister stated that any requests for licenses from national and international investors to open casinos in Siem Reap will not be permitted under his leadership, continuing a policy from previous administrations. "Some people want to request casino licenses in Siem Reap. Absolutely, from the time of Samdech Techo, and with the new government that I lead, absolutely no casino licenses will be allowed in Siem Reap. There are none. So, do not come to request casino licenses in Siem Reap," the Prime Minister asserted. He emphasized that Siem Reap, located in the northern part of Cambodia and rich in world heritage, is a province where casino businesses will not be permitted. This decision is aimed at preserving the province's cultural heritage and maintaining its age-old traditions. However, the Prime Minister also clarified that this does not prohibit other business activities in Siem Reap. For instance, license applications for hotel construction to serve national and international tourists will be promptly approved, but casinos will be absolutely disallowed due to the province's heritage status. The Prime Minister noted that requests to open casino businesses continue to be submitted even to this day, recalling the refusals that have been in place since the era of former Prime Minister Hun Sen. He also reiterated that the government has already announced a suspension of all forms of gambling. Source: Koh Santep Khmer