March 28, 2019 — Prime Minister Hun Sen announced yesterday that Cambodia is considering eliminating 7 public holidays throughout the year. The goal is to align with foreign countries.

The proposal has been circulating for several weeks, and Hun Sen has now made it official. During a visit to the National Institute of Education to address 2,000 freshly graduated students, the head of state revealed that the government is currently working on reducing the number of public holidays in Cambodia. The country currently has 28 public holidays, compared to 50 in Malaysia or 26 in Thailand, for example. According to AKP news agency, some foreign investors and business leaders are currently expressing concern about this measure.

The Manufacturing Sector in Focus

The Garment Manufacturers Association Cambodia (GMAC), an association of textile-producing factories, has been one of the main proponents of this measure, according to Le Petit Journal Cambodia. With minimum wages for workers increasing steadily each year, they see it as reasonable to work more in order to produce more and boost productivity.

Prime Minister Hun Sen described the subject as sensitive, emphasizing that no precise decision has yet been made. This proposal to move to 21 public holidays would in any case target next year.

Thibault Bourru

Thibault Bourru — A passionate lover of literature and Asia, Thibault shares his experiences through his writing.