Cambodia's strongman premier Hun Sen threatened quarantine-breakers with jail time and warned civil servants they could lose their jobs if they go unvaccinated, as the country grapples with a growing coronavirus caseload, AFP reported.

In the past two days Cambodia has registered more than 1,000 infections — many among garment workers and market vendors — bringing the country's tally to 4,081 cases and 26 deaths.

Authorities this week banned travel between provinces, imposed a night-time curfew in the capital Phnom Penh and shut down popular tourism sites including the famed Angkor Wat archaeological park. Wearing face masks is now mandatory in Phnom Penh and violators face a fine of up to $250.

But Prime Minister Hun Sen threatened harsher measures, saying anyone who flouts a two-week quarantine period would face a “quick trial” and jail time.

A custome wearing a protective face mask to prevent the spread of the coronavirus buys items at a local market outside Phnom Penh on April 10. — AP
A custome wearing a protective face mask to prevent the spread of the coronavirus buys items at a local market outside Phnom Penh on April 10. — AP

Opinion

Editorial

A difficult story
Updated 12 Jun, 2026

A difficult story

Unless productivity becomes the dominant target of economic policy, Pakistan will continue to oscillate between crises and fragile recovery.
Rough waters
12 Jun, 2026

Rough waters

AMONGST the key potential triggers for fresh conflict in South Asia is water. The Indian state is behaving in an...
Politicised football
12 Jun, 2026

Politicised football

ALMOST three-and-half years since Lionel Messi led Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory, the latest edition of...
GB polls’ aftermath
Updated 11 Jun, 2026

GB polls’ aftermath

The new administration must address the region’s issues proactively.
Peace in retreat
11 Jun, 2026

Peace in retreat

THE ceasefire announced in April was supposed to create space for negotiations. Instead, it has been repeatedly...
A few good men
11 Jun, 2026

A few good men

IT was a brave move, no doubt. This Tuesday, in the land of the Afghan Taliban, a few good men decided to take a...