Phnom Penh Authorities Order Businesses Near High School Exam Centers to Temporarily Suspend Operations

In Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh, city authorities have instructed businesses operating around high school examination centers to temporarily suspend their operations to ensure the smooth conduct of the upcoming High School Diploma Examination (Bakdop). According to a notification from the Phnom Penh Municipal Administration, copy services, internet cafes, and all types of school supply shops located near the 36 examination centers within the city must temporarily cease operations from August 9 to 11, 2026. Additionally, restaurants, food stalls, and construction sites in the vicinity are also required to halt their activities during the same period. This measure is intended to prevent noise and other disturbances from affecting the candidates and to guarantee the security, safety, order, transparency, and public discipline necessary for the examination. Authorities are urging business owners in the affected areas to comply with these directives. However, tourists staying in hotels, apartment buildings, guesthouses, or temporary rental homes around the examination centers will be permitted to enter and exit as usual. Furthermore, the motorcycle and bicycle parking services organized by the authorities at the examination centers will be provided free of charge. This directive is part of the rigorous management of the annual High School Diploma Examination, organized by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Phnom Penh aims for the examination to proceed with transparency and in good public order. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local