Cambodia cuts public holidays for 2020

The Cambodian government has decided to reduce the number of public holidays next year from 28 days to 22 days.

According to a sub-decree issued by Prime Minister Hun Sen, the six holidays to be cut next year are Meak Bochea Day, National Day of Remembrance, International Children’s Day, Paris Peace Agreement Day, International Human Rights Day and two days of King Norodom Sihamoni’s birthday.

“There will be 22 public holidays in 2020,” Mr Hun Sen said. “Six days were cut.” However, he said that for Khmer New Year, there will be a four-day public holiday in 2020. Ek Tha, spokesman for the Council of Ministers, yesterday said Mr Hun Sen made the right move in cutting down the amount of public holidays.

“We need to reduce the number of public holidays to make Cambodia more attractive for national and international investors. Don’t interpret it differently from this,” Tha said.

Holidays removed

• Meak Bochea Day
• National Day of Remembrance
• International Children’s Day
• Paris Peace Agreement Day
• International Human Rights Day

Holidays reduced

• King Norodom Sihamoni’s birthday from three days to one day

Holidays increased

• Khmer New Year from three to four days

Prime Minister Hun Sen had announced in March 2019 that from 2020, Cambodia’s 28 public holidays for civil servants and employees would be reduced in a bid to encourage investors and drive further economic growth.

Further reading

• Public Holidays in Cambodia for 2020