PHNOM PENH: The Sihanoukville administration has instructed vendors to stop selling items and charging for seating and table space on public beaches after social media posts documenting a dispute between vendors over beach guests was shared on social media. The administration made this announcement on Friday morning, 6 January 2023.

On Thursday, a group of beach vendors in Sihanoukville quarreled over public beach space, and some of the tourists who were there at the time posted videos of the argument on social media, causing social disorder.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Sihanoukville administration had publicly reminded members of the public that the beaches are open to all tourists.

The administration issued a follow-up announcement after some vendors took advantage of the public beach space and rented out tables and chairs to tourists.

The administration stresses that there should be no charge to visit the beach, and everyone should be able to freely use the public beach space for picnics. The beach should not be used as a personal place of business.

In the event that any beachgoers encounter someone charging money on public beaches, the administration urges them to contact the administration team at 096 723 6600.