KEP: The Cambodian government has recently launched multiple campaigns against alcohol abuse and normalization. Last week, the PM called for an end to women and children appearing in alcohol ads, while the Ministry of Health advised against drinking. There has also been a backlash against alcohol companies giving prizes to their customers. This week, Kep provincial authorities removed many of the omnipresent beer billboards along its roads after receiving online criticism about the sheer volume of alcohol advertisements in the province.

Kep Deputy Governor and spokesperson Bun Yong confirmed to EAC that the provincial administration had ordered the removal of beer advertisements three days ago, with some replaced by Cambodian flags.

"In some places we put up flags, in other places we are waiting to see if there are any sponsorships for new ads, because advertising is also a form of tax revenue for the development of the province” he said.

According to the spokesperson, the authorities are also reviewing the content of billboards throughout the province to improve the aesthetics and remove any that are out of date, illegal or misplaced. He added that the beer ads were properly requested by the companies, but that the contract requires them to change their billboards according to the needs of the provincial administration.

The deputy governor thanked the public for its positive constructive criticism. "What the people have contributed as a constructive critique is a good idea for the provincial administration,” he said. “Thank you for this traditional positive constructive feedback. As stated by PM…‘no leadership is perfect.’ What’s important is that when something is wrong, we need to make adjustments.”

Prime Minister Hun Manet has also called on National Police Commissioner Sar Thet to increase stops for drunk driving to reduce the number of traffic accidents and fatalities in Cambodia. He noted that on January 20, 2024, four people were killed in Russey Keo due to drunk driving.