Phnom Penh's Daun Penh District Declared First "Smoke-Free Tourist City"

The central Daun Penh district of Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh, has been officially recognized as the nation's first "Smoke-Free Tourist City." This initiative was jointly organized through close cooperation between the Ministry of Tourism, the Phnom Penh Municipal Administration, the Daun Penh District Administration, the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Consumers Health Association of Cambodia (CHAC), along with other relevant parties. The official declaration ceremony took place on the afternoon of September 10, 2026, presided over by H.E. Dr. Thong Hak, Minister of Tourism; H.E. Khuong Sreng, Governor of Phnom Penh; and Dr. Marianna Trias, WHO Representative to Cambodia, at the Phnom Penh City Hall. H.E. Hou Sarun, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Tourism, stated that "Smoke-Free Tourist City" is an official designation by the Ministry of Tourism for municipalities, districts, or communes that implement exemplary models and tourism service businesses adhering to minimum standard operating procedures for implementing smoke-free environments in the tourism sector, in compliance with the Law on Control of Tobacco Products and related legal instruments. The primary objective is to contribute to reducing the impact of secondhand smoke, enhancing health and well-being, and creating a safe, hygienic, and attractive tourism environment for citizens, workers, and tourists. H.E. Dr. Thong Hak announced that Daun Penh district's recognition as a "Smoke-Free Tourist City" is just the beginning, and efforts will continue to designate other areas as smoke-free cities. He emphasized that this achievement serves as a model and catalyst for other districts to prepare their bases to become smoke-free cities. Phnom Penh serves as the gateway for tourists from all directions, and Daun Penh district, in particular, is a tourist area with numerous attractions, including Wat Phnom, the Royal Palace, the National Museum, and the Chaktomuk pedestrian street. Dr. Thong Hak further clarified that the recognition of Daun Penh as a "Smoke-Free Tourist City" is a result of close collaboration among the Ministry of Tourism, Phnom Penh Municipal Administration, Daun Penh District Administration, Ministry of Health, WHO, CHAM, and all involved parties. He stressed that the "Daun Penh District: Smoke-Free Tourist City" award should not be considered merely an acknowledgment but a collective commitment to continuously maintain and strengthen a safe, healthy, and attractive smoke-free tourism environment. H.E. Khuong Sreng highlighted that the Chaktomuk pedestrian street attracts approximately 200,000 tourists on weekends. With a focus on public health, the Phnom Penh Municipal Administration selected this area as a smoke-free and tobacco-product-free zone. This initiative has received strong support from citizens and both domestic and international visitors, truly making Daun Penh district a smoke-free tourist city. The Phnom Penh Municipal Administration will continue to promote smoke-free cities, urging communes and districts to persistently disseminate information about the harmful effects of cigarette smoke. Dr. Marianna Trias also commented that Daun Penh is the historical heart of Phnom Penh, a place where culture, commerce, government, hospitality, and tourism converge. She stated that this is where many tourists gain their most significant impressions of Cambodia and where citizens, workers, and tourists live together and share roads, markets, restaurants, hotels, and public spaces. Daun Penh district is sending a simple yet profound message: everyone should enjoy the heart of the capital without facing the inhalation of secondhand smoke. This is a choice for clean air, healthy public spaces, and a tourism experience that prioritizes tourists and citizens. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local