The Phnom Penh Municipal Administration has denied requests from vendors who sought to keep their roadside and kerb locations around the Deum Kor Market. In order to enhance the aesthetics of the capital, they will be relocated to the New Deum Kor wholesale vegetable and fruit market in Prek Pnov district, as originally planned.
Phnom Penh governor Khuong Sreng met with the concerned vendors on January 19, and encouraged them to accept stalls at the new location. He also reiterated the many incentives that are on offer to support the move.
“Any requests to continue selling at the same locations on sidewalks and roadways will not be approved by the administration. The best option is for vendors to move to new locations that offer many incentives, including the New Deum Kor wholesale market or other properly organised markets. This will contribute to improving the city’s beauty for the benefit of the public,” he said.
Effective January 18, the administration banned vending on roads and sidewalks around Deum Kor Market.
The vendors have been asked to relocate to a new site along Win-Win Boulevard in Kok Roka commune, Prek Pnov district. To encourage voluntary relocation, the administration has worked with the market’s developer to offer incentives, including two years of deposit-free rent exemption, six months of free water and electricity and several other benefits.
The administration reported that it is paying close attention to any vendors who may face hardship due to the relocation plans. In this regard, rice assistance has been prepared to support vendors who may experience difficulties during relocation, in line with the government’s policy of leaving no citizen behind.
The governor recently clarified that vendors operating inside Deum Kor Market may continue to trade as normal, with no need to relocate from the old Deum Kor Market to the new one. The relocation measures apply only to “disorderly” vendors who were selling their goods on sidewalks and roadways.
Sreng clarified this during a January 18 review of sidewalk improvement projects along Mao Tse Tung Boulevard, Preah Monivong Boulevard, Street 230 and the surrounding areas. They are aimed at upgrading infrastructure for public use, according to the Ministry of Interior.
“Vendors inside Deum Kor Market, please do not worry — continue your business as usual. Authorities will only organise order for vendors selling on sidewalks and roads around the market,” he noted.
On the same morning, Phnom Penh authorities carried out sanitation work, repairs and infrastructure improvements on the roads surrounding Deum Kor Market.
The administration has called on all sidewalk or roadway vendors who have not yet accepted the city’s arrangements to do so.
It explained that the plans aim to contribute to public order, cleanliness and city beautification, in line with Phnom Penh’s recognition as one of the world’s top 20 tourist destination cities for 2026.
