PPPost

 

A new survey has revealed the stark realities facing Cambodia’s sex and entertainment workers, many of whom endure 12‑hour shifts for salaries as low as $40 to $100 a month, often without contracts or legal protection.

 

The Women’s Network for Unity (WNU), which represents around 7,000 sex workers, reported widespread exploitation across Phnom Penh and provincial centres. Outreach teams visited 80 establishments, including karaoke bars, restaurants and pubs, and found workers routinely forced into unpaid overtime, income deductions and dependence on tips.

 

Sen Chanthou, WNU’s interim managing director, said most workers remain outside the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), leaving them without access to basic health and labour rights. “We highly noted that sex and entertainment workers faced the greatest challenges, including working without a contract, forced to work overtime without payment, lower income, and lack of legal protection,” she told Kiripost.

 

One 38‑year‑old sex worker in Phnom Penh described the NSSF as vital for covering medical costs, but said few colleagues were registered. She highlighted the strain of long hours, low pay and the absence of maternity support, adding that some women are forced to quit their jobs if they wish to keep a pregnancy.

 

The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT), the Ministry of Tourism and NSSF officials attended a recent worker forum where WNU presented its findings. Chanthou confirmed that authorities had responded positively and pledged to raise the issue at national level.

 

Yet challenges remain. Heng Sophannarith, Deputy Director General of NSSF, acknowledged that many sex workers hide their identities or lack valid national ID cards, making registration difficult. “We are committed to reaching out to them and asking them to register,” he said.

 

The survey underscores the vulnerability of Cambodia’s sex and entertainment workers, whose labour rights are routinely ignored. Without stronger enforcement of labour laws and wider access to social security, thousands remain trapped in exploitative conditions.

 

-2025-11-19

I certainly hope Thai sex workers are treated better than this... 

2 hours ago, WDSmart said:

I certainly hope Thai sex workers are treated better than this... 

 They're not, but they probably earn more money.

What is the legal status of sex workers in Cambodia?

 

16 hours ago, jingjai9 said:

What is the legal status of sex workers in Cambodia?

 

Very similar to Thailand.  Paying for sex is not in itself illegal, but many aspects of prostitution are, such as soliciting, running a brothel, trafficking and underage providers.

On 11/19/2025 at 9:43 AM, geovalin said:

salaries as low as $40 to $100 a month,

Wow... time to move to Cambodia... So cheap to pay some women for sex worker..