PHNOM PENH: In an unprecedented move, Prime Minister Hun Sen has announced that Cambodia will not collect a fee for room and board from athletes participating in the SEA Games.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony for the maternity ward of the National Children's Hospital on the morning of 20 April 2023, the Prime Minister noted that even if Cambodia were to charge the standard $50 fee for food and accommodation, it would not have any major impact on the economy.

"Even if we charge the fee, it would not make us rich. Cambodian and foreign athletes will receive free accommodation, but the fans coming to support the athletes will still be paying for their stay,” he said.

In a special meeting on 18 April, DPM Tea Banh, the Chairman of the Cambodia SEA Games Organising Committee (CAMSOC), announced that the delegation would waive the fee for athletes’ food and accommodation. Secretary-General of CAMSOC, Vath Chamroeun, considered the move a wise decision, noting that Cambodia is the first in SEA Games history to extend such an offer.

Currently, more than 12,000 SEA Games athletes have registered to compete in the games. On average, athletes stay for one week to participate in their sport, which would amount to about $4.3 million USD in room and board fees.

With only 15 days left before the inauguration of the SEA Games, the Prime Minister asked that people be ready to participate in and attend the events in order to promote the nation’s image and attract tourists.